Cats are frisky and fun loving, and as a cat owner, you might find yourself spending hours amusing yourself with their games. In some cases, you need to instigate the fun on your own by introducing a new toy or game. This might not even mean spending a penny! By taking this advice, you will be well underway towards the kind of care your cat deserves.
Watch kittens around kids. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. A child of that age doesn't realize when they are being too rough with a pet. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.
If you have an older cat, you may need to talk to your vet about changing the animal's diet. As your cat ages, they need different nutrition to stay active and healthy. A cat may start showing signs of age at seven. A change in their diet at this time can ensure a longer and healthier life.
Make sure your cat's vaccinations are up to date. Though certain vaccines may be ordered through the mail as given yourself, you really should use the vet. Your vet will inspect your cat, administer the proper doses and recommend booster shots.
Make sure that your cat wears a collar with a tag on it at all times. Cats are curious, and they will naturally try to go outside if they can. When they have a collar on with a tag, or a microchip, they'll easily be returned to you.
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. You need to get a scratching post or a cat tower to prevent your cat from ruining your furniture. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. It might take a little while, but eventually it should stop the problem.
When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. They have tons of amazing cats who desperately need a home. When a cat is adopted from an animal shelter it saves its life and it helps control the cat population.
Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, close to home and near its owner. Indoor cats live longer and have less illness and pests than outdoor cats. Exercising every day with the owner doesn't come with the risks of disease or attack that other cats face roaming the wild.
Indoor cats are attracted to houseplants. This can cause serious problems, particularly if the plant they get into is poisonous. Your cat might also decide to turn your plant pot into its litter box. Even if you put the plants on ledges and shelves, the cats will still get to them. Put a good hook in your ceiling and hang your precious plants from there.
Make sure your cat is treated with flea and tick medicine. Most only need to be applied monthly. These types of medications help keep the parasites away. Be sure you're going with something that is only for cats so the animal can safely use it.
If kitty won't use the litter box, try moving it. A cat knows that when it's going to the bathroom it's in a vulnerable situation, so you should make sure the box is in a calm, secure location. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.
Your cat is NOT a vegetarian! Even if you eat no meat, your cat still needs it. Taurine is essential in a cat's diet, and it can only be found in the protein of animals meats. If your cat doesn't get enough, the results can be tragic. Ensure that your cat's food contains the right amounts of meat and protein for his growth and good health.
Give your cat varieties of dry food whenever possible. Kittens need wet food since they have tiny teeth. Hard, dry food is best for grown-up cats because it helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. If your cat happens to be a picky eater, mix up the dry food with wet food.
As you can now see, cats can bring you much joy. You definitely need to take care of the feline so that it lives a great and healthy life. Using the information provided here will be a big step in making your cat a happy addition to your life.
