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. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease. Your vet can also check the overall health of your cat. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.
If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot. Heated in your oven around 200 degrees, it can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline’s bed. Replace it every three hours or so.
Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.
If you don’t want your cat to scratch up furniture, try filling a small spray bottle with water and spritzing your cat whenever he tries. Cats generally avoid water altogether for reasons no one is sure about, so he will not like this. Eventually he will stop scratching to avoid getting sprayed.
When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.
When taking your cat or kitten to the vet, or to other places that involve a car ride, it is wise to socialize him to this situation. Try taking your cat, always in a carrier, on short rides, adding time to the ride every so often. Getting your pet used to the car can mean the end of his fear and frustration, as well as yours.
Sometimes it seems as if your cat is sleeping all of his 9 lives away, however, this is perfectly normal. It is not unusual for cats to sleep up to 16 hours per day, and even more. Much of their sleep is light sleep, an instinct that keeps them ready in the event that a predator is nearby. About 25 percent of their sleep is deep sleep, where they dream and conserve energy. Cats love to sleep-a lot!
Encourage your child to play with cats by using toys, not by using their fingers and hands. Choose toys that put distance between the child’s hands and the cat’s teeth and claws. During a vigorous play session, an excited kitten is more likely to accidentally scratch its playmate’s skin. For example, you might use a long wand-type toy with a dangling feather or bell.
Act fast if you cat is panting. Panting is normal behavior for a dog, but that is not always the case for cats. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.
Make sure to provide your cats with toys. Many people consider toys a need for dogs, but they do not feel the same about cats. Cats need stimulation throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Toys can provide this. Keep your cats from boredom by remembering this tip.
Scoop your cat box several times a day. Cats prefer a very clean environment when they use the restroom, and they will often choose not to use the litter box if it is not clean. Try to scoop it every time they use it for best results, especially if your cats are picky.
Once your cat starts to age, they may have to go to the vet more often than they did before. To make sure that your senior cat is in optimal health, you should take him to see the vet at least twice a year. Make sure that you follow any advice given to you during the visit.
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.
