If you own a cat, or want one, you know how special they are. It’s important then to keep ticks, fleas and other pests away from them. Things like these can harm your cat. Read these tips to help your cat live a long and healthy life.
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.
Get a pet water fountain. Cats can be prone to dehydration, and running water entices them to drink. It is an evolutionary habit that developed because in the wild, running water is less likely to be contaminated than a stagnant pool. Your pet will enjoy the water more, and will drink more often.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
An inexpensive rubber welcome mat helps keep cat food off your floor. This is also a great tool to keep your cat from tracking litter out of the box. Black rubber mats cost about three dollars at dollar stores. Put your cat food dish on one and your litter box on another.
Location is key when placing a litter box. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. This will keep both you and your cat happy.
Give your cat plenty of love and affection. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.
Consider those expensive cat litter boxes. There are cat litter boxes now that allow you to have minimal interaction with them. This can be great for anyone who is tired of cleaning a litter box. But be careful, as they may not work as easily as they claim to. If you can, make sure there is a return policy and don’t lose the receipt. You may find you prefer the old-fashioned style!
Consider adopting multiple cats, especially it will be spending a significant amount of time alone. One cat can do fine alone, however two are not much more work or expense than one, and can keep each other company and entertain each other. This will stave off boredom, especially if you work long hours.
Your cat deserves a high quality food. You should check the ingredients and make sure the food you give your cat includes a healthy source of protein, such as chicken, fish or beef. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.
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.
If you have more than one cat, you need more than one litter box. Ideally, each cat should have its own box. This prevents the box from becoming overfilled or crowded. An unappealing shared litter box sometimes causes cats to take their bathroom business elsewhere in your house. As you can imagine, this can be quite a nasty surprise!
One way to get a cat to use the litter box is to move it to a different place in the house. Cats feel vulnerable when relieving themselves, so make sure the litter box is in a secluded spot. Areas away from high activity are a good choice, such as basements and laundry rooms.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
Your cat needs to get regular checkups and vaccinations. This is the only way to make sure that they stay healthy and don’t pick up any illnesses or parasites. A veterinarian can provide these services for you. Animal shelters can be used as well if there isn’t a vet near you.
Don’t let a cat that’s had its claws removed go outside. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. Remove only the front claws. Don’t cut the back claws because they won’t scratch up your furniture or floors.
You do not have to spend a bunch of cash on fancy toys for your cat to play with. Simple things like feathers and string are great for them to play with, and they are very economical. While you can still buy fancy toys if you like, you may get more benefit from them than your cat does.
All animals are capable of getting parasites. Your cat is no exception. Unless you take measures against them, these pests aren’t going anywhere. Owning a cat can be an incredible experience. Your cat is sure to appreciate your efforts.
