Cats are one of many animals that clean themselves. Although this works for the cat in many instances, there is only so much that the cat can do. You have to step in and groom the cat to keep it healthy. Here are some proper grooming techniques to use on your cat.
Create a warm bed for an outdoor or feral cat by lining a banana box with a thick layer of newspaper. Cut a piece of Mylar to fit the bottom of the box. Put another layer of newspaper on top. Add a warm blanket. Place the whole box inside a dog house or under a porch where it can’t get wet.
Keep your drape cords away from your cats. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This may harm or kill them. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this.
Before acquiring a cat, be sure that you have the money to take care of all necessary vet care. Cats reproduce at an alarming rate, and spaying or neutering is essential to controlling the cat population. Check spay, neuter, and vaccination costs and packages with local vets and clinics, and be sure you can afford to give your cat proper medical care.
It would be best always to take your cat for regular vet checkups. Cats need unique shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cat’s overall health. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
Cats love to play, so make sure that you provide them with many toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is not only fun, but it also helps them to get exercise too.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
If you want to have your cat for many years, it is good to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.
Brush your cat daily. This will spread a cat’s oils from their fur and help blood flow from within their skin. It is also an excellent way to reduce shedding. This will help eliminate hairballs, which build your cat’s stomach and prevent it from grooming itself.
It is essential not to feed your cat too much food from the table. Cats do not digest human food the same way that your does. It can also lead to your cat becoming overweight. If your cat is carrying around too much weight, it will be hard for them to jump up on furniture and get around.
Always make sure that your cat has identification tags and a collar. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats are endlessly curious and may head out an open door or window. Tags with your veterinarian’s info and your contact number should be worn. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, however. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
Entertain your cat with simple “toys” made from household objects. Many cats enjoy exploring boxes, such as those that hold 12-packs, small appliances, or other products. Before allowing your pet to play with a box, you should ensure that the animal cannot get stuck in small openings or tight spaces. This would be dangerous and very frightening to your pet!
Be aware of your cat stopping their litter box usage. Some feline health problems may cause your cat to refuse to use their litter box. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, get him to a vet for a visit.
Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you made some changes, it would be good to do them gradually.
You schedule your doctor’s appointments regularly, and you should do the same with your new cat. Cats need regular checkups to ensure they haven’t caught any bugs or infections in the wild. Many cats deal with obesity as well, and a vet will be able to point this out.
Dry food is great for cats. As kittens, cats require wet food because of their tiny teeth. When they grow, they need to eat dry food to have stronger teeth. Dry and wet food can also be mixed for a finicky cat.
If you have a long-haired cat, regular grooming is an essential tool. Grooming helps to keep your kitty clean and well cared for. It can help to prevent shedding and skin disease too. While bathing your cat is not required more than often, make sure to brush him daily and tend to any mats in his coat.
A clean and well-groomed cat will be happy, healthy, and good-looking. Remember, the cat can’t do all of the grooming work. It’s up to you to give it a little extra help. Use as many of the provided grooming techniques on your cat and see how good it looks.
