Cats are discus water temperature of the leading choices for family pets in America. Their popularity isn't there for no reason at all, people love to raise cats and enjoy the experience associated with owning a feline. You are probably ready for a cat yourself, but you shouldn't rush out and adopt one without reading these tips first.
Are you interested in buying a young kitten or do you want an older cat? Remember, while kittens are adorable, you must invest a lot of time into their care initially. An older cat isn't as hard to deal with, although you do need to make sure they are getting the socialization that they need.
If your cat ventures outdoors regularly, always check him when he comes back in. Make sure his fur is free from mats and his skin is free from bites or scratches. If you do find such problems, tend to them immediately or visit your veterinarian if necessary. This is essential to helping your cat maintain a healthy life.
Watch out for hanging objects around your cat, such as draperies or electrical cords. These items can look inviting to your frisky cat who wants to play. They can also cause danger. Many a cat has hung himself on drapery blinds or strangled because of an electrical cord. Keep these items taped down or hidden away for best results.
Although an overweight cat is less common than an overweight dog, make sure not to overfeed your cat. Your veterinarian can guide you in determining how much to feed your cat and what type of food is best for his level of activity. It is also important not to give too many treats.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use discus fish water that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
Play with your cat using proper cat toys. Cats love toys that help them feel like the predators that they think they are. Try sticking with toys that help them dance around or jump. This can also help them use extra energy by pouncing on toys instead of people's feet.
Some cats do not enjoy a grooming session. If this describes your cat, remember that it is okay to groom him over several days. Take about five minutes a day, each day focusing on a different part of the body. This will help you to get him groomed properly, and it will keep him from feeling frustrated.
Do not be in a rush to let your kitten roam around all parts of your home. They may get lost somewhere and become very frightened. Keep all of the toys, food and litter in one area and keep them there for a while. Once they start to grow you can give them more freedom.
Most cats love the smell of a fresh can of moist cat food. Humans, on the other hand, tend to be less tolerant of the pungent odor. If your cat does not eat all of its moist food, do not allow it to continue sitting out. Discard the uneaten food after 20 minutes. Leaving the food out encourages bacterial growth, which can cause your cat to become ill.
Cats generally shed more as the weather begins to warm up. To help them, give their coat a massage. Also, rub them from their head back down to their tail. You can get rid of some of the excess hair this way, which means you will find less of it all around your living space.
If your cat is nursing a litter of kittens, it is vital that she have plenty of food and water near her nesting area. Mother cats are very protective, and do not want to leave their kittens for long lengths of time. Your cat can become dehydrated or malnourished just because she does not want to leave her kittens to eat and drink.
Are you interested in adopting a cat from the shelter or do you prefer a purebred? Both have their pros and cons. However, if you decide to go the purebred route, only buy from someone with a good reputation, and make sure you do your research before you get started.
As you think about the different types of cats you can bring home, ask yourself if you can handle a vocal cat? While each cat is different, certain breeds are significantly more vocal than others. Siamese cats, for example, are known to meow, mumble, and yowl at all hours of the day and night. If you want a companion pet, this chatty breed could be a perfect match.
Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.
Make sure to keep chemicals and dangerous substances away from your cat. Chemicals like antifreeze have a sweet taste. This encourages the cat to drink it, most often resulting in fatal consequences. Keeping your chemicals locked up in a cabinet will help to ensure that your curious cat does not end up fresh water discus .
Make your own enclosed litter box from a large tote box with a lid. Use a coffee can lid as a pattern to cut a door in one side of the tote. Place the coffee can lid fairly high up on the side of the tote. Trace around it with a permanent marker. Cut out the circle with tin snips or a box cutter. Add litter. Put on the lid.
Keep your cat healthy and non-finicky by introducing a varied diet. Always purchase several different brands of food and rotate them. In this way, your cat will be used to trying and accepting new tastes. If one food brand goes out of business, you will always have lots of other acceptable choices to offer.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, there are many benefits to owning a cat for a pet. However, if you want your cat to live a long and healthy life, you must take proper care of it. Be sure and use the tips mentioned so that your cat remains happy and healthy.