Many people make the mistake of not planning when they get a cat for the first time, and they run into a lot of issues. Never take on a pet unless you are prepared to be responsible. You can’t ever be 100% prepared when you own a pet. A great idea for you is to read the suggestions here and add a few more tidbits to your list of expectations.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied („breakaway“ collars) are a great idea. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.
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Flea Products
Do not use dog products on your cat. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. This definitely applies to flea products. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.
Get a microchip for your cat. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Nearly every vet and shelter owns a scanner which can read a microchip, and since they’re implanted, there isn’t a risk of the chip falling out or getting lost.
A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. One way to alleviate this condition in your cat is by feeding him special food. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.
If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. You and your cat probably have different ideas about the ideal volume for the car stereo, for instance: Remember that your cat’s hearing is more sensitive than yours. Therefore, try to turn down your music or keep if off altogether so your cat has a better trip.
Cat Owners
If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. Although you might want to attempt to handle the problem yourself, other cat owners can provide you with excellent advice that may help you to resolve it. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Regularly brush your cat’s hair. This will help stimulate blood flow. It can also reduce the amount of loose hair they have. This helps to stop hairballs and their associated medical problems.
Pay attention if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box properly. It may be the sign of an underlying medical issue. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. A quick course of antibiotics can head off dangerous complications if you get your cat diagnosed and treated early enough.
Does it seem like your cat’s hairs are everywhere you look? Since cats shed so much, you must remember to brush them regularly. How often and how much your cat sheds can give you a good idea of how often he need to be brushed. Brushing will also keep their coat in good shape.
Happy dogs wag their tail. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. Cats wag tails if they sense conflict, or if they’re trying to decide whether to fight or flee. When you hold your cat and he begins to wag his tail, put him down!
These tips should be useful whether you have a Siamese kitten or an old Bengal. They are the basics on which your plans should be based. Most importantly, enjoy your cat.
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