Cats have been the companion of choice by many for hundreds of years. Talk to any cat owner, and they will be glad to explain why these animals make such great pets. It’s easy to see why, after all this time, cats still think that they’re the ones in charge. Read on to get some input on how to establish yourself as the one in command of your household. You may even pick up a few other essential tips as well.
Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor cat.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.
Protect your cat from choking. Be sure to dispose of poultry and fish bones safely. Wrap them in a paper or plastic bag and put them in your outdoor garbage can with the lid tightly secured. Alternately, place them in a plastic bag and freeze them until garbage pick up day.
When you move your cat from one house to another, be sure to move the cat last. Set up a quiet room with familiar items for the cat. Keep your cat in the room and quiet for a day or two. Visit and feed the cat in the room. After a couple of days, the cat can explore the rest of the house.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
Do not feed your cat any kind of human food that contains bones in it. If you are giving your cat chicken or fish, be sure to remove the bones beforehand to prevent a choking hazard. Chop the food that you serve into small bits to make it easier to digest for your cat.
You should do regular checkups of your cat between veterinarian visits. A good time to do this is when you are petting the animal. Check the entire body for things like scabs and lesions. Also look in and around the ears for any discharge, which can be a sign of ear mites. Check the cat from head to tail.
While it is perfectly normal for a dog to pant a lot of the time, you should be alarmed if you notice your cat doing it. It may only be a small case of anxiety, but in some cases it is something much more serious like cardiovascular or respiratory distress.
Think about getting a drinking fountain for your cat. When cats are in the wild they tend to prefer water that is running when they are thirsty, this applies to cats at home. Cats react better to a moving water stream. Cats will even drink from the tap if they can! A drinking fountain will be good for the environment and can help the cat to enjoy its water more.
You should keep wet cat food in the refrigerator after it has been opened. Bring it to room temperature before serving it to your cat, because it will smell more enticing to them and be less likely to cause an upset stomach. If you like, place it in the microwave for a bit to warm it up.
Make sure that you change your cat’s food and water on a regular basis. Just like humans, cats want to eat fresh food and drink water that is clean. Feed them at the same time each and every day if you want them to get into a regular feeding routine.
Sometimes cats can have problems with arthritis when they get older. This makes it harder for them to get around. You can buy them a heated bed to lay in to help ease the discomfort. It is also a good idea to talk to the vet about any medications that might help out.
If your cat seems excessively thirsty, take him to the veterinarian to get him checked out. Excessive thirst is a common symptom of diabetes in cats, and this often missed diagnosis can cause serious complications if left untreated. Always keep a close eye on your furry friend’s water intake, and if you are concerned get him to the doctor to have a look.
Feed your kitten a variety of cat foods to avoid a finicky cat later. Pick different textures and different brands on a regular basis and your kitten will learn to enjoy new tastes. This can also avoid feeding problems if your usual brand is no longer available in your area.
Try keeping your cat indoors. Cats that go outside tend to live shorter lives and often contract illnesses. Certain feline diseases can actually be passed to humans, so it is good for you to keep your cat inside for that reason. Let your kitty have a sunny location indoors, such as a sunroom or window to fulfill their outdoor desires.
If you’re like many cat owners, your pet is the center of your universe, or at least your home. Though with the advice from this article, you can help your cat recognize your rightful place in the relationship. The love of cats is a great one, so enjoy!
