There are so many joys you can get from just having a cat. However, it also takes lots of work to take care of a cat. Cat owners need to know of the responsibilities that come with having a feline. Thankfully, this piece will explain some of these responsibilities. Become aware of what the commitment entails, then approach it wisely.
Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. If your cat has been spayed, however, you won’t have to worry about this happening.
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. Be very careful with the flea products you use. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. If you treat your dog for fleas, make sure you keep the cat away for several hours following the application.
Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.
Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats have a natural predilection for staking out a nice elevated place where they have a good view of their surroundings. Give them an alternative. Putting a cat tower in or near the kitchen can help keep the cats from laying on the counter.
Microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. Other measures like tags and collars are better than nothing, but your cat may wriggle out of them or they may be torn off by outdoor hazards. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.
You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.
Don’t get rid of an old scratching post. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.
As mentioned earlier, there’s a lot of great things about having a cat. If you desire for your cat to benefit from a long life, proper care must be provided. Use these tips to make your cat’s life complete.
