Lots of people have difficulties along the way after they adopt a cat. Finding a pet without preparing first is a terrible mistake. Sometimes problems will arise no matter what you do. The following tips can put you in the best position as a caretaker.
Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Make sure that the cords are completely out of sight.
Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.
If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.
Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your cat.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
Keep your cat’s coat healthy by giving them a supplement of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is an inexpensive supplement that can be found in most health food stores. Simply sprinkle a little bit on your cat’s dry food, or mix it in with their wet food. Not only do they love how it tastes, but it’s full of protein and vitamins that will keep them looking their best!
Feed your cats proper food. Remember that cats must eat meat. Only give your cats cat food to eat. Do not feed them or let them eat dog food. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs and some of the ingredients in dog food could harm your cat. Feeding your cat dog food for food could also lead to malnourishment, among other issues.
Pet
An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Your cat might not come running when you call, but most cats enjoy cuddling on their terms and time. Cats love to have their heads and backs pet. Not all cats like their tummies rubbed so be careful. Spending quality time with your cat will make lasting memories to look back on someday.
If you absolutely must bathe a cat, set everything up in advance. Set up two tubs large enough to dunk a cat. Fill them with comfortably warm water. Set your open bottle of cat shampoo, a heavy towel, and a secure pet carrier close by. Wear heavy rubber gloves. Grasp your cat by the scruff of the neck. Dunk, shampoo and scrub quickly in one tub. Dunk to rinse in the second tub. Wrap the cat securely in the towel and place in the carrier to dry.
Pet Adoption
If you are looking for a new home for your kitty, consider registering with an online pet adoption agency. Some of these companies screen applicants, so you will be sure that your pet is going into a good home. This is better than selling him to a creep who lurks around Craigslist all the time.
No matter how old or young your cat or where you live, the tips in the article above will help you with training your cat. These are tried and true ideas that have been proven to help raise a cat properly, however there are always individual instances where things change. Having fun with a new cat is the most vital concept!