Dogs may be man’s best friend, but cats can make pretty great pets too. Whether your cat is aloof or appreciates a good snuggle, a cat can be a wonderful companion. However, cats aren’t always easy to care for. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your cat.
Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. This particularly applies to flea products. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. Keep them separated by at least one door for a few hours after treatment.
If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.
Make your own enclosed litter box from a large tote box with a lid. Use a coffee can lid as a pattern to cut a door in one side of the tote. Place the coffee can lid fairly high up on the side of the tote. Trace around it with a permanent marker. Cut out the circle with tin snips or a box cutter. Add litter. Put on the lid.
Take your cat to the vet periodically. A lot of cat owners tend to avoid the vet because it can be harder to get a cat ready to go anywhere she does not want to go! It is also easy to avoid the vet because cats seem so self-reliant. However, it’s smart to get your cat to the vet to avoid any problems.
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.
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.
If you notice that your cat is not using the litter box as much as usual, you should go and take them to a vet right away. There are several health problems that can cause the cat to stop using the box. These issues include bladder problems, constipation and diarrhea.
Do not leave wet cat food in the bowl for longer than twenty minutes after your cat is done eating it. After you see your kitten is done for the time being, throw out the rest of the food and make sure to wash their bowl thoroughly with light soap and water.
There is a lot of responsibility involved with a long-haired cat. Cats are beautiful with hair that is long and silky. Your clothes, floors and furniture aren’t. Unless you have time to dedicate to cleaning up their fur, don’t get long haired cats. Hairballs are something that you will often deal with if you own a fluffy cat.
Playtime is important for kittens as well as older cats. The best games are those that involve hunting and chasing. Try to think like your cat, choosing toys like feathers on string. The cat is attracted to the movement of the toy, so he will love to chase it if you pull it along without him seeing you. It is important to let your pet win occasionally, to keep him interested.
When you’re smitten with your kitten, it’s tempting to dole out treats generously. However, treats are meant to be just that. They lack the nutritional value of regular cat food. Treats should not make up more than 5 percent of your pet’s daily diet. Any more than that may prevent your cat from receiving the nutrients it needs for good health.
Keep your cat on a diet of dry food if at all possible. Little kittens need moist food since their baby teeth can’t handle much else. However, as their teeth grow, the hardness of dry food allows their teeth to get stronger. Dry and wet food can be mixed if you have a picky cat.
When choosing what type of cat to bring home, consider your lifestyle. Do you travel often? How long are you at home? If you will not spend a good deal of time in the company of your new pet, adopt a more mature cat. Kittens require considerable care and are easily frightened when alone. A mature cat requires care as well, but should fare well when you aren’t at home.
The most responsible thing a cat owner can do is to neuter or spay the animal. Cats always need to explore things. Therefore, even if your cat stays indoors, it will attempt to go outside. Your cats can get pregnant if you let them escape for a short period of time. Thousands of cats and kittens are euthanized every year due to overpopulation.
Living with cats can be frustrating, but it can also be fantastic. Thanks to this article, you should have a lot of ideas on how to better care for your pet. Dog lovers may get more slobbery kisses, but cats are wonderful in their own way. These suggestions will help you appreciate yours.
