Cats are extremely complex animals. Do not expect grooming a cat to be like grooming a dog. You have to do extra in order to make sure they're clean and look their best. Read on for useful tips for cat care.
Keep a clean litter box. Like you, a cat will generally not use a bathroom that is filthy. Find a quiet area out of the way that the box can stay in, and don't move it unless absolutely necessary. Scoop solids out a couple time of day. Make sure to dump the whole box, wash it with a gentle detergent, and refill it once a week.
If your cat is pregnant, set up a comfortable, safe place for her to have her kittens. A big cardboard box equipped with a pillow and blanket is good. Place it in the back of a closet or other out of the way place. Keep food and water dishes nearby.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don't force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he'll get the idea that it's there for a reason!
Give serious thought to spaying or neutering your cat. Your vet can give you the pros and cons of both, but if you plan to keep your cat for a long period of time you should consider this operation. Cat overpopulation is a real problem, and you can do your part.
Play with your cat. A lot of cat owners don't do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags and any number of small toys to get your cat moving.
If your cat has to have a surgery such as being spayed or neutered, they will need rest when they come home. It is hard to keep a cat from jumping up on furniture, but necessary to avoid pulling out stitches. Designate an area in your house for your cat to recuperate where they will be less likely to injure themselves, until they are healed enough to roam free.
Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. This is very important for indoor cats. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.
If you live in an area that is populated by wild animals, such as coyote and fox, you may need to make you cat an indoor cat. Wild animals pose a real threat to cats, and to avoid the loss of a beloved pet, it is sometimes best to keep them indoors for the course of their lives.
Providing your cat with good grooming will make it shine. Fulfilling your obligations to your feline friend ensures that your cat is healthy inside and out. Anything you help your cat with in terms of grooming is going to be appreciated. Use the ideas within this article to help you cat stay beautiful but also safe and happy.
