Cats are very interesting and loving pets to have. Cats do not require a lot of attention, so they are the perfect pet if you are always on the go. The following article gives you sound advice that you can use to keep your cat happy and healthy.
To help prevent tapeworm infestation in cats, feed a small amount of food grade diatomaceous earth for two weeks out of each month. About a quarter of a teaspoon per cat per day is adequate. Food grade diatomaceous earth kills internal parasites and causes them to be expelled from the system.
Take your cat to the vet every year. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.
For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it completely every three days or so. When you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don’t waste your money on liners as cats tend to destroy them.
Cats and electrical cords don’t mix. If you notice your cat has a habit of chewing on electric cords, try to bundle them up and hide them out of the cat’s reach. If that’s not possible, spray a little bit of bitter apple onto the cords. Not only is bitter apple non-toxic, cats absolutely hate the taste.
Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Feed cats food that’s low in magnesium. Read the labels. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.
Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.
While it is perfectly normal for a dog to pant a lot of the time, you should be alarmed if you notice your cat doing it. It may only be a small case of anxiety, but in some cases it is something much more serious like cardiovascular or respiratory distress.
Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. The tag your cat wears should display your number and your veterinarian’s information. Include medical issues if appropriate.
When you bring home a new cat for the first time, the experience can be overwhelming for both of you. Instead of granting access to your entire home, introduce your pet to its new environment one room at a time. For example, you might place your cat’s carrier in your study or den. As long as the carrier door is open, you should be in the room with the animal.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. They may seem like they’re fighting all the time. After the initial period though, they should start to settle and begin to get along like old friends.
If your cat is bitten by another cat, try to get him to the vet within 24 hours. The vet can put him on antibiotics that will protect him from infection setting in, and causing serious health problems. Cat bites can trap bacteria under your cat’s skin, forming an abscess, or other dangerous infection that can cost you hundreds of dollars to treat later.
Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. It is especially important that you get good vet care for kittens so they get all the shots they need. You have made your cat a family member, and you have to treat your cat accordingly.
Buy a pet drinking fountain to prevent dehydration. Cats are attracted to running water, so a pet drinking fountain may help to encourage your cat to drink more. Proper hydration can cure and prevent a large number of feline health problems. Therefore, a pet drinking fountain could improve the health of your cat and reduce vet bills.
When your cat is due to deliver babies, ensure that she has a comfortable area with some space. It will take about three to four hours for all of the kittens to come out, so be patient. Should the time run to six hours, and you think more kittens are due, get the cat to the vet immedietely
If you are bringing a new kitten into a home with one or more cats, purchase an extra litter box so that your other cats do not have to share right away. It may take some time for your established cats to become used to the new scent in the house.
Independent, intelligent and loving; cats make great house pets. All cat owners should know how to care for their cats in the best ways. You should use the tips you read in this article to look after your beloved new cat. Do this to ensure your cat has an enjoyable life.
