Cats have interesting personalities. They can get by on their own but still enjoy the company of humans. Cats are confusing, but a purring cat can be very comforting. The following advice will help you care for your pet.
Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. Do your best to keep the same vet for your pet’s entire life. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.
A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Cats need to play and get regular exercise. Sadly, this is overlooked by many cat owners. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.
Cat Outside
You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. Letting your cat outside greatly increases his risk level. It takes mere minutes for your cats to pick up fleas, be bitten by a tick or something far worse. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.
Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. If they only eat the same food, they may never eat another food in the future.
Feed canned food to your cat. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. Your cat can get more water, fat and protein from canned food. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Your vet can give you more information specific to your cat, though canned food is usually better.
Cats are very interesting creatures and you could spend the rest of your life trying to figure them out. The above tips will assist you in giving them a better life. Caring for a cat is one of life’s great pleasures.