If you were able to save a cat’s life, would you? There are plenty of cats who need a home. If you need to know more about caring for your new cat, keep reading.
Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
Cats are constantly grooming themselves, and this is why they rarely need a bath. If your cat gets into something particularly stinky, a bath will not hurt them. If your cat does not like water you might want to wear gloves so that you do not get scratched. You might also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Protect your cat from strangling by making sure the cords of curtains and blinds are secured and out of reach. When you make or purchase a dangly toy for your cat, be sure to supervise during play. Put the toy away if you will not be around to watch.
Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.
Do not flush clumpable litter in your toilet. This can lead to problems with your plumbing. Instead just lift the clumps and dispose of them in a trash bag. Don’t forget, moisture is what makes the litter clump in the first place! Avoid doing that to your pipes and just dispose of it properly.
A cat’s nails can grow really quickly. They sharpen their nails by scratching on different surfaces like a scratching post. You can help avoid your cat destroying your furniture by clipping their nails often. This will help to discourage your cat from scratching at different things around your house.
Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. Just like children, a kitten needs to have immunizations and wellness checks periodically to avoid disease and other health problems later in life. When you have a cat, it becomes a member of your family, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.
If your cat has been scratching things that they should not have, do not think of declawing them as a good way to deal with the issue. While this surgical procedure would stop them from causing any more damage, it is a very painful procedure and it is pretty difficult to recover from.
When you are looking to finally adopt a new kitten, but don’t want to spend big bucks on an expensive bloodline, you should investigate your local shelters. Most animal shelters offer dogs and cats that need a home badly, regardless of their heritage or costs.You may be able to find a similar cat with a different cost.
Buy a fountain for your cat. Cats have a tendency to not drink enough water. This can leave them dehydrated. They often prefer running water to water sitting out in a bowl. If you suspect your kitty isn’t drinking enough, consider investing in a cat fountain to avoid health problems.
Switch up cat food flavors. Cats can be notoriously picky eaters. This can be frustrating if a flavor is out of stock or, worse, discontinued. Don’t let your cat get into the habit of eating one food and only one food. Make sure there’s some healthy variety in your cat’s diet.
Overfeeding a cat is a bad idea. Overeating can cause your cat to get very sick, in addition to becoming obese. Make sure your cat’s diet is well-balanced.
Cats often do best indoors where they can be kept safe. Cats that spend time outdoors generally don’t live as long, probably because they are more likely to get sick or get into an accident. Some of the illnesses can actually be passed along to members of the household. Make sure that any indoor cat has a location to sit in sunlight.
You should be proud to take care of your kitty. You’re making a conscious decision to love an animal and provide it with the care that it needs to survive. The bond you have with your cat will last a lifetime. Having a cat can actually help you to live a happier and longer life.