Adding a cat to your family can be quite enjoyable. It is not a good idea to go into a cat adoption blind. There are many problems that you will still face even if you do your homework. You should keep reading to learn more about how you can properly care for your cat.
Create a warm bed for an outdoor or feral cat by lining a banana box with a thick layer of newspaper. Cut a piece of Mylar to fit the bottom of the box. Put another layer of newspaper on top. Add a warm blanket. Place the whole box inside a dog house or under a porch where it can’t get wet.
Small places are spots cats love to get into. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.
If you have outdoor cats, be sure to discourage pests such as coyotes, possums and raccoons by bringing cat food indoors at night. Feed your cats first thing in the morning, and make sure there is no food left at nightfall. This will keep your cats safe from attack and illness.
If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
Check your cat for ticks and fleas every week. If your cat does have fleas, there is a good chance that you also have fleas in your home. You might need some flea bombs or premise-control sprays, along with treating the cat, to get rid of the issue. If you don’t know what products to use for controlling ticks and fleas, talk to your vet for some safe options.
Find out how much food you are supposed to be feeding your cat. While cat food containers give general information, find out from your vet how much food your cat should be eating. Many owners do not do this, and end up overfeeding their cats. Take the time to find out the proper amount so you don’t end up with an overweight kitty.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. If your cat has hair that’s long it could get hairballs. Buy your cat specialized food to prevent this problem. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.
When something seems amiss with your feline friend, speak with other cat owners. You may think it’s something you can take care of on your own, but other people that own cats could help. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.
Do not try to bathe a kitten that is less than four weeks old. It is not very easy for a young kitten to regulate the temperature of their body. This may result in the kitten getting a chill. To be on the safe side you should wait between 12 and 16 weeks after they are born to bathe them for the first time.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
You should never punish your cat for not using the litter box. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
When your cat has kittens, it can be tempting to get rid of them as soon as possible, but you should wait a reasonable amount of time. A kitten needs to learn a few things from mom before going off into the world alone, so give him six weeks to learn all he can.
While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.
Get your cat all the necessary vaccinations. There are a number of them and you should talk to your veterinarian about the proper schedule. Many are given at the early stages of a kitten’s development, then given annually thereafter. These vaccinations prevent such problems as feline leukemia, rabies and respiratory problems.
Those quality-training tips are perfect for all breeds of cat, regardless of age or location. There are certain common problems that arise when raising a kitten, but some cats will exhibit unique problems. The best thing to do is keep having fun with your kitten.
