Cats make wonderful pets for anyone. Owning a cat is a challenge, however. There are special needs that a cat owner should be aware of, even if they have had other pets. Cats are not the same as other animals. Read here about some ways to achieve your goals as a good cat owner.
Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They should have regular check ups annually, and more appointments should be made if they need to get important shots. Make vet appointments immediately if your cat has a medical condition or has become injured.
Flea Products
Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs. Be very careful with the flea products you use. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. In fact, it is a good idea to separate your cat and dog for a few hours after your dog has taken flea medication.
You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Every cat needs exercise time and play! Many owners just don’t have time. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.
Cats love to be clean. Long hair encourages hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.
Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This makes quite a mess. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.
Cats are amazing pets. Knowing how to properly care for your cat is essential to make sure he has a long and happy life with you. Internalize the tips you have read here to be the best cat owner possible. It is very likely that your feline companion will be very thankful.