A lot of people get a cat because kittens are so adorable. Then, when they get the cat home, they’re not sure what to do. They are not always as expressive as dogs are, so cats can sometimes be puzzling. Here are a couple ways you can keep your cat happy.
Never have your cat declawed. Many people misunderstand declawing, thinking it is the simple removal of a cat’s nail. This is not true. In fact, the veterinarian must remove the top knuckle along with the claw during the procedure. This can result in arthritis pain later in life and many behavior problems, such as biting. There are many alternatives from scratching posts to glue-on claw caps that can protect your belongings from a cat’s claws without resorting to such a harsh surgical solution.
Wash your cat’s bed at least once a week to remove all of the bacteria from it. Even if the bed looks like it is clean, it will usually have toxins in it that can cause your pet to become sick. Replace the bed every six months to keep your cat in a sanitary environment.
You may be able to find a better deal on your cat’s prescription online instead of purchasing them from your veterinarian. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.
A cat’s nails can grow really quickly. They sharpen their nails by scratching on different surfaces like a scratching post. You can help avoid your cat destroying your furniture by clipping their nails often. This will help to discourage your cat from scratching at different things around your house.
It is important that you do not feed your cat too much food from the table. Cats do not digest human food the same way that your does. It can also lead to your cat becoming overweight. If your cat is carrying around too much weight, it will be hard for them to jump up on furniture and get around.
If your cat has recently given birth, be sure she has a safe, private area to take care of them. Mother cats can become frightened by strangers or loud noise, sometimes leading to decreased milk production. They may also hide the kittens in places where you cannot find them, such as closets, or under beds.
A kitty door is a great way to allow your cat to go in and out, without any help from you. You can also use kitty doors on doors inside your home. This can be great if you have a dog or small children, to keep them out of the room with the litter box.
Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. Examples include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. These foods are healthy for humans, but they can make cats very sick. Even a commonly fed food, milk, can make your kitty ill.
Try your best not to feed your cat any table scraps, even if you are sure this would be better than throwing the extra food away. Once you feed your cat this type of thing, they will no longer want to eat the cat food that you give them regularly.
If your cat has frequent hairballs, and extra brushing hasn’t helped, here are some other tips that may help. Give your cat’s regular food an addition of pumpkin (about a teaspoon’s worth). You may also use some tuna packing water to mix with your pumpkin. There are cat foods that have anti-hairball components in them, like extra fiber, that can help.
If you were unemployed when you got your cat, but are now heading back to work, your pet will probably have issues with loneliness. To ensure they’ll stay happy while you’re out of the house, you should consider getting a second cat.
If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds, choose foods that help the animal to feel full. If the cat acts like it is hungry all the time, you will be tempted to feed (and overfeed) it. Look for cat foods that contain higher amounts of protein and fiber. This also promotes a healthy digestive system, which contributes to weight loss.
If you have a long haired cat, regular grooming is an essential tool. Grooming helps to keep your kitty clean and well cared for. It can help to prevent shedding and skin disease too. While bathing your cat is not required more than every so often, make sure to brush him daily and tend to any mats in his coat.
Think a lot before you give your cat scraps from the table as treats. The way human food is cooked and the ingredients involved makes for it not being a good choice for your cat. If you really want to treat your cat, try a tablespoon or so of cooked chicken or beef, or a little egg. Make sure that you consult with your vet before feeding your cat anything.
Make sure to feed your diet pet food specifically made for cats. While a bag of dog food might be cheaper pound for pound, it will not contain the necessary vitamins, minerals and especially protein content to keep your cats healthy. Giving a cat dog food on a regular basis can also cause kidney failure and other serious illnesses.
After reading this article, you are probably going to be better at taking care of your cat. Try each tip out, to see what your cat responds best to. You can always find out more, so make sure you keep learning about cats so that yours always feels taken care of.
