Popular poet T.S. T.S. Eliot once called cats a crucial element to a home, and this statement rings true today. A cat that is healthy, well-mannered, and happy can make an excellent addition to your home. Sadly, cats can be difficult to live with sometimes. Here’s some advice for building a healthier relationship with your pet.
If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.
Flea Products
You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. This particularly applies to flea products. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Never let your cat experience frequent boredom. They need exercise and they get it through play. A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.
Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. They have more water, protein and fat too. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.
Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. Even if it’s an indoor cat, this is important. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that’s open invites exploration. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. Include medical issues if appropriate.
Cats need to play! It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. Even older cats like to play. Make sure you play with your cat at least once a day.
Haired Cats
Long-haired cats require more care than their short-haired comrades. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.
Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. Kids need shots, and so do cats. When you have a cat, it becomes a member of your family, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.
Owning a cat can be hard at times, but it is worth it. You need to get to know your cat better so you can focus on the kind of attention it needs the most. You’ll better your relationship in no time.
