Cats are fundamental different from humans. Aside from them being covered in fur and walking on all fours, they have different diet requirements. There are certain foods that a cat must eat, and some that a cat can’t eat. The following article can give you some dietary tips to aid you in feeding your cat.
Groom your cat. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
If you have outdoor cats, be sure to discourage pests such as coyotes, possums and raccoons by bringing cat food indoors at night. Feed your cats first thing in the morning, and make sure there is no food left at nightfall. This will keep your cats safe from attack and illness.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.
If your cat has recently given birth, be sure she has a safe, private area to take care of them. Mother cats can become frightened by strangers or loud noise, sometimes leading to decreased milk production. They may also hide the kittens in places where you cannot find them, such as closets, or under beds.
When your cat has kittens, it can be tempting to get rid of them as soon as possible, but you should wait a reasonable amount of time. A kitten needs to learn a few things from mom before going off into the world alone, so give him six weeks to learn all he can.
If you are expecting a child, this is more than enough reason for you to have your pet spayed or neutered. Some cats get very aggressive when they see little ones in the house. After having this procedure done it is less likely for your cat to do anything to harm the baby.
Use aversives to deter your feline friend from going places where it is not allowed. An aversive is anything that creates an undesirable environment for your cat. Examples include shelf paper (sticky side facing upward) and tinfoil. Most cats prefer to avoid these textures at all costs. You can also use carpet tape that has adhesive on both sides.
When it comes to cat litter, you should scoop out all of the waste on a daily basis. Cats will not use a litter box that is overflowing with waste, and they will start looking for somewhere else to use the bathroom. Change the entire box at least once every few weeks.
Protect your cat and your kid by demonstrating the proper way to show affection for the animal. Few things are more appealing to children than the sight of a soft, fluffy cat, and they might be tempted to hug or squeeze the animal. Instead, teach your child to allow the animal to come to you rather than pursuing it. Tell them to use a light touch and avoid making direct eye contact with the cat
When you’re smitten with your kitten, it’s tempting to dole out treats generously. However, treats are meant to be just that. They lack the nutritional value of regular cat food. Treats should not make up more than 5 percent of your pet’s daily diet. Any more than that may prevent your cat from receiving the nutrients it needs for good health.
When introducing a new cat to your home, make sure that your other pets have time to adjust. You will want to give the new cat extra attention, but it is important to keep up established routines with your other pets. Allow the new cat to explore its new home while you care for your other pets.
Clean your cat’s litter box. Cats will use litter boxes on instinct if they know where to find it. Let your cat go naturally and don’t manually force it to go by putting it in the box or pushing it to scratch the litter. Keep the box in a private place, scoop its contents on a daily basis and give it a periodic wash.
Before you are tempted to give your feline bits of food from your table, think about how it may affect his health. Because of the additives and cooking techniques used in human food, you should avoid feeding it to your cat. When you want to give your cat a treat, feed him no more than a tablespoon of boiled chicken or beef. So long as you are feeding your cat the correct food according to their weight and age, their diet is good.
Be sure your cat receives a tick and flea treatment. Some treatments can protect your cat for months. They stop fleas from making your pet’s life miserable. Be sure you’re going with something that is only for cats so the animal can safely use it.
When you bring a new pet home, your old cat may become upset. To avoid conflict, keep your new pet separate from the cat. This makes it easier for your cat to adjust to the animal’s smell. Once a few days have passed, give your cat some supervised time with your new pet.
Whatever your cat eats depends on what you feed it. Giving your cat bad food will put its health in jeopardy and possibly end its life. If you give it food suited for it, the cat will thrive. Keep this article handy and follow it closely when it’s feeding time.