There are many parasites that can feed on your cat. Fleas and ticks are two of the well known parasites, but there are plenty more that people forget about. The only way to stop these parasites is with knowledge. Learn how to combat them and keep them from preying on your cat with this article.
Keep drape cords away from cats. You should not allow your cat to play with drape cords since they could end up with the cord wrapped around their neck. This could cause injury or death. Hang your drapery cords out of your cats’ sight to avoid this.
Make sure to keep your cat’s litter box clean at all times. Most cats do not like to use a dirty litter box, much like you would not want to use a dirty toilet. Scoop it at least once a day. Empty and give it a good cleaning once a week or more if needed.
Keep your cat occupied by making your own dangly toys. Using soft cotton rope, cut a length of about two feet. Tie a knot at one end. Tie another knot about three inches from the opposite end. Unravel the rope below this knot. Attach the rope to the back of a kitchen chair for your cat to play.
Get a pet water fountain. Cats can be prone to dehydration, and running water entices them to drink. It is an evolutionary habit that developed because in the wild, running water is less likely to be contaminated than a stagnant pool. Your pet will enjoy the water more, and will drink more often.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.
If your cat has to have a surgery such as being spayed or neutered, they will need rest when they come home. It is hard to keep a cat from jumping up on furniture, but necessary to avoid pulling out stitches. Designate an area in your house for your cat to recuperate where they will be less likely to injure themselves, until they are healed enough to roam free.
Although your cat’s old scratching post may look very worn out, you shouldn’t throw it away. Cats prefer used scratching posts. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.
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.
While there is nothing wrong with using clumping cat litter for older felines, you should stick with sandy litter when dealing with kittens. The clumping litters are usually treated with all types of chemicals that may nto be safe for smaller cats. Once they are older, you should be able to make the switch with no issue.
Turn out the lights and use a black-light to identify the source of that mystery cat urine smell. Cat pee contains phosphorus, which glows brightly under this type of light bulb. This is especially useful because otherwise you might not be able to see the exact area to be treated. Use a piece of chalk to lightly trace the outline of the stain so you can see it when you turn the regular lights back on.
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.
There are a few human foods that can be quite dangerous if consumed by a cat. Chocolate and onions are two of the foods out there that can be toxic to cats. You should do all of the research you can to make sure that you are not giving your cat any food that can hurt them.
If your cat has frequent hairballs, and extra brushing hasn’t helped, here are some other tips that may help. Consider mixing a little pumpkin into your cat’s food. In addition to the pumpkin, try one teaspoon of water from a can of tuna. Some cat foods have components, such as fiber, that prevent hairballs.
If your cat seems excessively thirsty, take him to the veterinarian to get him checked out. Excessive thirst is a common symptom of diabetes in cats, and this often missed diagnosis can cause serious complications if left untreated. Always keep a close eye on your furry friend’s water intake, and if you are concerned get him to the doctor to have a look.
This article featured a number of tips for dealing with cat parasites. These parasites should not be taken lightly. If ignored, they can possibly give your cat diseases, keep them from getting nutrients, and even kill them. Never let the health of your cat be taken for granted. You have the power to save them, so use it.
