Helping Ou Figure Out Cats With These Easy Tips

Cats have often been mentioned in fiction and poetry. Eliot described felines as a being that all households are dependent on, and that's true. A cat that is healthy, well-mannered, and happy can make an excellent addition to your home. However, cats can at times be difficult to have around. Here are some things you need to know if you're going to be living with a cat.

When you shop for cat food, learn which ingredients should be eaten and which should be avoided. There are certain foods that contain chemicals and fillers which could be harmful to your cat. These things add no value to the food. The best cat foods have protein at the top of the ingredient list.

There are some options for a cat with hairballs. Give your cat's regular food an addition of pumpkin (about a teaspoon's worth). You can also mix in a little water from a tuna can with the pumpkin. Some cat foods include hairball fighting elements, such as fiber, that may be useful.

Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. There are special foods that can ease this issue. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.

It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.

Take notice if and when your cat ever stops conducting their business in their litter box. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. If your cat is not using the litter, kidney or bladder problems and infections may be the problem. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.

If your cat is of advanced age, you might want to discuss changing its diet with the vet. As a cat ages, they are going to have different nutritional needs. Approximately seven to twelve years of age is when you will see issues that are nutritionally based. Therefore, you will need to alter their diet after they pass the infancy stage.

You need to stay on top of your cat's ear health. Every month, take a good look at their ears. Only clean what you can see. Put a Q-Tip in mineral oil. Use this to renew your pet's ears. Dipping the swab in alcohol is also a reasonable procedure.

Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. Flea products are a great example of this. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. In fact, it is a good idea to separate your cat and dog for a few hours after your dog has taken flea medication.

Keep a breakaway collar and tag on your cat. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. The tag your cat wears should display your number and your veterinarian's information. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.

Avoid using any medication on your feline if there is no need for it. Flea medications can often have other ingredients to treat issues your pet doesn't have. These medications work well for street cats, but should not be used on indoor cats.

Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat's food. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.

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.

You could be having fun with your cat right now, playing one of the games listed above. Though every cat does not like the same things, certain things are popular amongst them. The more you concern yourself with the health and happiness of your cat, the longer you can enjoy each other's company.