In the post adoption phase, many issues arise between cats and families. When one adopts unprepared, bad things can happen. Lovably unpredictable cats can still come up with ways to flummox even the most well-prepared new owner, though. Reviewing tips like those found below is very helpful; just remember to ready yourself for some surprises along the way!
Cats are constantly grooming themselves, and this is why they rarely need a bath. If your cat gets into something particularly stinky, a bath will not hurt them. If your cat does not like water you might want to wear gloves so that you do not get scratched. You might also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member.
Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also be a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome “deposits” in neighbor’s gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.
When you move your cat from one house to another, be sure to move the cat last. Set up a quiet room with familiar items for the cat. Keep your cat in the room and quiet for a day or two. Visit and feed the cat in the room. After a couple of days, the cat can explore the rest of the house.
Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.
If your cat seems to want to avoid his food bowl, try getting a different kind of bowl. Plastic can sometimes turn a cat off if it isn’t cleaned constantly, and can hold on to certain scents. Try glass or a metal bowl for best results, so your cat will keep eating.
Give cat box liners a try. These may not work for everyone, but they can be helpful if they work for you. Line the litter box with one of these liners, and then put cat litter in as usual. If it works correctly, you should be able to gather the liner and dispose of the litter. Unfortunately, sometimes cats just scratch the liner to pieces as they are doing their business.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Feed canned food to your cat. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. They have more water, protein and fat too. It’s also much softer on older teeth if your cat is getting up there in years. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.
Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. Even if your cat is a house cat, this is still a good idea. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian’s information as well. This is very critical if your feline has specific medical issues.
If you live in an area that is populated by wild animals, such as coyote and fox, you may need to make you cat an indoor cat. Wild animals pose a real threat to cats, and to avoid the loss of a beloved pet, it is sometimes best to keep them indoors for the course of their lives.
If your cat is urinating a lot or in areas away from the litter box, they may need to see the vet. A change in where or how a cat urinates can signal a UTI or other health problem. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.
Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? Cats shed a lot, so it is important to brush them often. Cats that shed a lot need to be brushed more frequently. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.
If your cat has bad breath, a trip to the vet is in order. Bad breath in cats can be a red flag for tooth decay or more serious conditions. These include diabetes, stomach problems and lung disorders. So, if your cat’s breath smells worse than the food he eats, get to the bottom of the issue before it gets out of control.
A kitty door is a great way to allow your cat to go in and out, without any help from you. You can also use kitty doors on doors inside your home. This can be great if you have a dog or small children, to keep them out of the room with the litter box.
There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
The tips you just read will help you care for your cat, regardless of its age or breed. These tips are the basics concerning cat care, and individual circumstances will apply. Above all, remember that owning a cat should be enjoyable and rewarding, so relax and have fun.
