Feral cats are ones that don’t have a home and live on the streets. Cats come with many issues from health issues to overpopulation. You should keep reading if you want to learn more about what owning a cat means.
Keep your cat groomed. They need to be brushed every day. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. You can use a microchip instead; you can store your contact information in the chip and it will not bother your cat. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.
Do all you can to figure out what’s causing your cat to meow. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
Don’t let your cat outside. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. It could be injured via a vehicle or another animal. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.
Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. You can often get great advice from friends and family. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.
Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.
Brush your cat regularly. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin’s blood flow. Brushing will also help to remove loose hair. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. If they only eat the same food, they may never eat another food in the future.
Your cat should be given food from a can. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.
Confine a sanitary area of the house for your cat to give birth. The process generally takes about three hours, so you must exercise patience. If the time has surpassed six hours and your cat is not finished, take a trip to your vet.
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. A couple of good places to put your cat box are your basement and laundry room.
Always keep your declawed cat indoors. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. Only declaw your cat if you are serious about keeping them indoors. Only take out the front claws. A cat’s back claws are important to his balance.
Now you know something about cat care. Cats are very loving creatures, once you get to know them. It takes a certain level of basic preparation and know-how to handle a cat properly. Perhaps you will fall in love with a feral cat.