Smalls Cat Food has carved a niche in the bustling world of pet nutrition. Known for its focus on quality ingredients and tailored nutrition, Smalls is gaining popularity among cat parents who prioritize their cat’s health.
In this review, we’ll …
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Buying a kitten is a lot different than buying an older cat. Before you rush out and buy or take the first kitten that is offered to you, there are a few things that you should know.
As with any animal, there are certain things that you should look for to make sure that the kitten is healthy. By paying attention and looking for these different things, you might be able to save yourself and your family from picking a kitten that is going to be quite sickly or even die.
Here is a list of things that you need to look for in any kittens that you are considering buying:
Next comes the asking of the pet shop or breeder who is trying to sell you the kitten. You need to ask them certain questions that they should have no problems answering. If they try to avoid you or put your off it might be a good sign that you need to move onto a different pet shop or breeder:
If the pet shop or breeder is reputable they should not have a problem answering any of these questions or letting you take the kitten to your own veterinarian for a checkup. Just remember that you can always find another pet shop or breeder that has the kitten you are looking for if something doesn’t seem quite right.
Are you new to the kitty world? You must educate yourself in order to choose the right cat for you. Here you go: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten
If you are choosing to buy or get a kitten there will be quite a bit of training to do, just like with a baby, the kitten has to learn. The first lesson that will make life a lot easier for you and your kitten is litter box training. This really shouldn’t be too hard of a lesson for either of you since most kittens take to the litter box quite naturally.
What is important to note is not to be in your kittens face while he or she is trying to do their thing. Patience is the key to any type of training, and this is not different. Of course, there are a few things that you can do in order to help this be an easy experience for your kitten:
You might have heard your friends or family talk about baby proofing their home when their child began to be mobile, if you plan on getting a kitten you will find yourself doing the same thing. A kitten is in essence a baby, but of the feline persuasion, as such they are just as curious as any other type of baby. You need to take the time and look at your home from a kitten’s perspective, find possible hazardous items, and remove them accordingly.
You aren’t going to be able to anticipate everything, but it is quite advantageous to the health and well being of your kitten to take some precautions:
If you have children or other animals in the house you will need to make sure that your kitten is introduced to them slowly and properly. Older children are not as much of a concern as small children are. You need to make sure that they understand the proper way to treat their new kitten. You need to teach them how to hold it properly and not to pull on its legs, face, tail, or ears.
Young children must learn that the kitten is a living thing that they need to treat with love, care, and respect. You can help you kitten feel a little safer by getting down to his or her level when it comes to play time. This will make you not seem quite so huge and scary to the kitten.
You also need to pay close attention how other pets in the house treat the new kitten. It is not a good idea to simply leave a new kitten with an older cat or dog. Take the time to introduce them to one another while being attentive to their reactions to each other. Normally older cats will be tolerant of the new kitten and even tend to it after they are comfortable with one another.
Dogs may take a little longer to get used to the situation of a new kitten in the house. Just remember to be patient and to make sure your other animals in the house gets the love and attention that they need, make them feel just as special as the new kitten. Here are a few tips that might help you with this process:
After doing some of these steps for a while, everyone should begin to get along with little disturbance in the house.
Anytime you choose to get a new pet, you need to make sure that you have everything you will need to take care of that pet with. Cats need certain things so before you get your cat or kitten, you might want to make sure they have everything they need before they come to your home.
Although these seem like simple items, if you have never owned a cat there are certain things to consider before you go out and buy the most expensive of everything.
The food and water bowl does not have to cost you a fortune. You do not have to go out and buy one with your pet’s name on it unless you want to. Mainly they just need to be easy to clean and heavy so they won’t tip over easily. Because it is possible that your cat might be allergic to plastic, it might be a good precautionary note to opt for the stainless steel bowls. You also need to make sure that your cat has food and water in their bowls as well.
Unless you plan on teaching your cat how to use the toilet like in a popular movie, you will need to purchase a litter box and everything that goes in it. This involves the litter box, the scoop, and the litter. If you have a kitten it is important that the litter box is not so big that they cannot get into it, but on the other hand you need to get a litter box that is big enough for a full grown cat.
What many cat owners may not know is that the litter boxes that have hoods or covers may actually trap foul smelling odors and make your cat unwilling to further use the litter box, so it may be a good idea to avoid these altogether.
Another helpful tip is to keep some sort of garbage container next to the litter box so that it will make it easier to scoop the box on a regular basis, just make sure that the container you choose will keep the odor inside the container and out of your room. The last item is of course to find litter that works best for you and your cat. There are many varieties that have odor control and clump better, what you choose is up to your own preferences.
Keep in mind that you must always think in what is best for your pets, for that reason you need to take care of what they eat. Take a look at this: The Best Homemade Pet Food According To Our Pet Food Advisor
Your pet needs a place in which they can lay down, sleep, and take a nap. A cat bed will also help keep your cat from taking its naps on your bed or couch. A good choice is a bed that your cat will be able to snuggle in. You can choose from nesting beds, mats, or perches.
Your choice will depend on your cat’s sleeping habits and what will fit best in your home. Also, don’t be irritated if your cat doesn’t take to its new sleeping domain right away, it might take time or your cat might not adapt to it at all. A good tip is to find a bed that is washable so that any messes are easy to clean. It’s also a good idea to put the bed wherever your cat likes to sleep or in a quiet area.
Cats need to stretch and exercise their arms and legs, just like humans do. Unfortunately they choose to do this by scratching things since no one has invented a gym for cats. In order to avoid having them scratch up all of your furniture, it might be a good idea to invest in a cat scratching post, and the sooner the better. A scratching post will help your cat realize that they have their own piece of furniture to claw up and to leave yours alone.
When buying a scratching post for your cat, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the scratching post is actually tall enough for your cat to be able to get the full effect. This is so they can completely stretch their body out and still have room to spare. Next make sure that it won’t fall over as soon as it has something leaning against it or your cat will be tipping it over all of the time.
If your cat already has a few bad habits such as scratching furniture and such, you might need to train your cat to use the post instead. This might take a little time and patience, but if you make sure your cat is playing with it whenever you are around, they will begin to get the idea, and it also helps if it is in an accessible area to your cat.
If want want to give your cat the very best, we have exactly what you need.
Since you may have realized that trying to transport your cat or anyone else’s for that matter is no easy task, it is smart to invest in a cat carrier. A cat carrier is great for a cat or a kitten. It will enable you to transport your cat from point A to point B with little to no damage or injury. Plus you will not have to worry about your cat plunking around in your car or attaching itself to you with its claws while you are driving.
A cat carrier is the best choice all around and will help your cat feel secure as well. Since there are a variety of different cat carriers to choose from, again it will depend largely on your preference and how much you want to spend. It’s a good idea to make sure that the carrier is big enough to fit your cat and allow them to move around while in it.
Fortunately you don’t have to spend a fortune on toys for your feline friend. This is largely due to the fact that they will play with whatever it is you have handy. Whether it is a string, a leaf, wrapping paper, or a ball, they will be completely content swatting it, biting it, and tearing it apart. Of course, many of these items that you have lying around your house are not the safest for kittens and cats, nor do you want them thinking that it’s ok to chew on whatever they want, this is why it’s important that they have some of their own toys.
You can choose to go through your house and find toys that will be safe for your cat or to go to the store and purchase a few cat designated toys. Some toys that are safe to give your cat that you find around the house are:
Items around the house that you should not give your cat or kitten for health and safety reasons:
You can find many fun and colorful cat toys at your local supermarket or pet store. The key is to use your judgment before you buy any of them. Carefully look them over and make sure they won’t become hazardous to your cat as he plays with them. It’s smart and cost effective to start out with a few toys so that you can see what your cat chooses to play with and what they do not. Also it’s important to note that some cat toys should only be used when you are there playing with your cat or kitten.
A collar is a very important thing if you have a cat who enjoys both the indoors as well as the outdoors. An important thing to keep in mind when buying a collar for your cat is that if they are quite active and curious, you will need to find a collar that can break away. Although a breakaway collar seems kind of strange, it is really in the best interest for your cat and their safety.
If you cat is outdoors or even inside and their collar gets caught on something you do not want them to choke, that is why it’s important to look for a breakaway collar. You should have your kitten or cat begins wearing their collar as soon as possible so that they become accustomed to it.
Also make sure that your cat has some sort of identification on their collar if they get lost or find themselves out of your house. You can also choose to purchase a leash and a harness if you wish to take your cat or kitten out for a walk. If you have the opportunity to train them how to walk with a leash when they are young they will adapt to it much better.
Not all cats like the leash around their neck which is why it might be necessary to purchase a harness which will be more comfortable for the cat and give you more control as well.
Grooming is a big part of having a cat, especially if you have a long haired cat so you will need to have the proper grooming tools, even if you have a short haired cat. Mainly you will just need to have a flea comb and a brush, but the tools that you will need depend largely on what type of fur your cat has. Grooming is important in order to prevent hairballs and it will also help to cut down on how much cat hair will be on your furniture.
Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from you!
Before you decide to take on any kind of pet you need to understand that different breeds of cat are susceptible to different health issues. Even if it seems like you have a healthy cat in the beginning it is possible that they will be diagnosed with some sort of disease or health related issue as they get older.
You need to make sure that you read the label on the food that you are getting for your cat. Although it may seem strange because your cat is a pet, their nutrition is still just as important as yours is which is why you should read the ingredients so that you are aware of what is in the food you are giving your cat. You also need to pay attention to what formula of cat food that you are purchasing. They have food for adult cats, kittens, aging cats, cats on diets, and everything in between. You don’t want to be feeding your kitten the wrong kind of food.
After picking up the right food for your cat, there is a matter of where to feed your cat, when to feed your cat, and how much to feed them. If you have never owned a cat before this can be quite a tricky process to figure out all on your own. First and foremost, you need to find a place that is ideal for your cat to eat at.
Think about it from your cat’s perspective, you really wouldn’t want to eat while adults and kids are running all around you and being loud. This is why you need to find a place that is quiet and accessible for your cat to have their food and water bowl. Once you decide on a particular place, don’t keep changing it around because cats don’t always deal well with that type of change.
Keep in mind that your cat might make a bit of a mess when they are drinking and eating so it may not be wise to put the food and water in an area that is going to be ruined by the mess. You also need to make sure that you are keeping the bowls clean and changing the water out on a regular basis in order to avoid your cat getting sick.
If you are not a cat owner yet, or you are becoming one for the first time and want to be prepared for the commitment, you might find very useful the following entry: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Important Tips, And What Supplies To Get. In this previous chapter we explain What you need to check before getting a new cat, how to deal with your new kitten, and more.
As far as when you should feed your cat, it is good to get your cat into the habit of eating at a particular time each day. Just as humans eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at certain times, so should your cat. Of course this might not be quite so easy if you are away from the house during the day, but there is a solution. If the cat is eating dry cat food you can simply put the entire day’s ration into the food bowl and your cat can eat from it throughout the day.
If you aren’t sure you want to put it all in, you can choose to be half of it in the bowl. It’s really up to you and your schedule as to what a regular and convenient feeding schedule will be, but it is wise to get a regular pattern started. Listed below will give you some ideas as to how to coordinate your feeding schedule:
You can also look on the package of cat food that you buy for what they suggest you feed your cat.
Just as there are certain things that you need to keep in mind when feeding your cat, there are also certain thing that you shouldn’t do when feeding your cat:
You shouldn’t give your cat bones; this is a good rule for any pet whether they are a cat or a dog. Chicken bones, pork bones, and fish bones are a big no because they can cause quite a bit of damage to your cats tummy and throat that could lead to a trip to the veterinarian or worse.
Again a good tip for any animal, don’t give your cat leftovers from the table. Although you think that you are doing them a favor by giving them a treat, you could be making a bigger problem when your cat begins to avoid their cat food.
Cats can’t eat two foods in particular, the first being chocolate and the second being onions. Both of these foods are considered a toxic food to your cat.
Despite what you may have seen on television or in the movies, cats do not need to drink milk. What more, if you give milk to your cat you might find yourself cleaning up after an icky mess since it can cause diarrhea.
The last tip is not to feed your cat any other animal’s food. They need the nutrients that are in their cat food and dog food won’t quite give them what they need.
As time goes on and you have your cat, you will find out what foods or pet foods your cat can tolerate.
Cats are very similar to people in many ways. Just as it is important to watch what is going into your cat’s tummy, you also need to keep an eye on how much is going into your cat’s tummy. When people eat too much food, over time they become overweight.
Cats are the same, if they become used to eating however much they want, when they want, it is a sure bet that you will have a pretty fat cat on your hands after a while. This is especially true as your cat gets older and less active. If you aren’t sure if your cat is fat or not, there are a few telling signs that you can look for that are pretty similar as to when you can tell if a person is overweight.
A double chin is always a telling sign of a weight problem. If you find that your cat has a bunch of fat underneath their chin, they might have a weight problem.
A big stomach is another sign, if their stomach is hanging, they might have a weight problem.
Another is whether or not you can feel your cat’s ribs. On a healthy cat you should be able to feel their rib cage, if you cannot feel your cat’s rib cage then your cat is definitely overweight.
Just as people think that their weight might not be a big deal, many cat owners might not feel it too distressing that their cat is a little overweight. The reality is that being overweight can cause many health problems in your cat. The more weight your cat has on their body, the more weight and pressure they have to carry around on a daily basis. This is why it is so important to pay attention to what and how much your cat is eating. If you do find that your cat is overweight you should probably speak to your veterinarian about it and look into buying a specially formulated cat food for overweight cats.
Are you still looking for the perfect feline companion for you and your family? Choosing a cat is a serious matter you need to pay attention to when you’ve taken the decision to be a proud cat owner. Different cat breeds have different needs and personality traits you must be aware of before bringing home a new kitten. Take a look at this: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten. This article will help you realize what kind of cat is best for you.
Whether you have an overweight cat or not, it’s important to make sure that your cat gets the exercise they need. If your cat isn’t overweight then the exercise will help keep them active and avoid such a predicament, but if your cat is overweight then the exercise will help them to trim off a few pounds.
The great thing is that exercising with your cat doesn’t have to be a tedious activity; it can be a lot of fun. Below are a few ideas that will help you get an exercise program started with your cat:
Important Note:
Just because you like to switch your food around because something was cheaper at the store, or a new product looked better, doesn’t mean that your cat should jump around from one cat food to another. Once your cat becomes used to a certain type of food, switching to another brand because it was on sale doesn’t always agree with their stomachs.
If it happens that you want to switch your cat’s food then you need to do it slowly. Do not just decide to replace cat food A with cat food B the next day, if so you might find you have a cat with a very upset stomach. In order to switch your cat’s food without all of the digestion trouble you will need to put just a bit more into each meal, this process can take a few weeks before the switch is complete.
Dealing with a kitten is completely different than feeding a grown cat. A kitten is essentially a baby in every way and needs the right amount of nutrition in order to go from being a kitten to a healthy grown cat. Kittens are just like babies in that they need to eat right in order to have strong bones, muscles, and a nervous system. You can’t feed a kitten the same things that a full grown cat eats; they need their own special food until they are old enough to move onto the next step
It’s always smart to consult with your doctor before you start a regular feeding routine for your kitten, but you do need to recognize that because they have such high energy, they need the proper food to fuel their bodies. You will find that your kitten will nibble throughout the day because they have a smaller stomach than a full grown cat.
Just as with human babies, there are going to be times that your kitten doesn’t seem particularly interested in food such as when they are teething or have lost a baby tooth. In the same instance your kitten may eat a little more during growth spurts and such. Even when you kitten begins to look and act like an adult cat, don’t rush out and buy adult cat food, they need to stick with the kitten cat food until they are a year old because of their need for a lot of calories.
There might also come instances that you need to consult with your veterinarian about your cat’s food needs such as if your female feline becomes pregnant or if your cat has health problems that are related to what they eat.
Before you decide to take on any kind of pet you need to understand that different breeds of cat are susceptible to different health issues. Even if it seems like you have a healthy cat in the beginning it is possible that they will be diagnosed with some sort of disease or health related issue as they get older.
There are also certain that you need to do a little bit of research in order to be aware of the benefits and side effects. Also there are precautions that you can take as a cat owner in order to protect your cats health and well being.
Make sure that all harmful plants are removed from the area in which your cat lives. Some plants can be poisonous when a cat chews on them.
Cats can suffer from diabetes. Some might find it strange that humans and cats can share the same illnesses, but it is quite common for a cat to be diagnosed with diabetes. If you suspect this from your cat you should definitely call your veterinarian for further measures.
If there is anything that sparks your concern such as if you cat acts listless, has yucky stuff coming from their eyes or nose, or if they look like they aren’t eating, even though you know they are, you should trust your instincts and contact your veterinarian with your concerns.
Do not let your cat play with yarn or string. All can be fun and games until your cat swallows it and then it becomes a serious matter. If such an instance occurs you need to contact your veterinarian, but it might help to know that white petroleum jelly might help to coat the stomach so that the string or yarn can get out of your cat’s tummy with little harm.
Taking care of a pet is a serious matter, as a pet owner you must be informed of what is best for your beloved companion. In this entry you will find useful resources: The Best Homemade Pet Food According To Our Pet Food Advisor. Here you will learn about pet nutrition and homemade natural pet food.
If you aren’t sure what to expect with your cat here are a few bits of information that will help prepare you as your cat grows from a kitten to a full grown cat. Within the first month your kitten will begin getting its baby teeth. At two months old a kitten can be fully weaned from their mother who is why it is important not to purchase a kitten until they are six to eight weeks old.
Between six and twelve weeks you will need to take your kitten into the veterinarian for their vaccinations, other shots, and regular checkups to make sure the kitten is doing well. At three months you can look forward to taking your kitten to the veterinarian for their rabies shot in certain states.
After that, anywhere between three and seven months your kitten will begin to get their permanent teeth. The next step will depend largely on whether or not you have a male or female kitten. For females the time to spay is anywhere between six and eight months.
For Males you are looking to neuter them between eight to twelve months. Between four and twelve months you will need to get your kitten in for their rabies shot. Between six months and two years old, your cat will need various booster shots to keep them current with regulations and for health reasons. Once your kitten hits the twelve month mark, they stop being a kitten and become a grown cat.
Just as with humans, there are certain viruses that can attack a cat’s system if they are not properly protected. Even if your cat never goes outside, they still interact with whoever comes into your home and whatever germs that they are carrying. It is really easier to take your cat to the veterinarian for their vaccinations instead of dealing with all of the bills that come from a sick cat. Ask your doctor about any vaccinations that your cat may need and have them explain them to you if you have any concerns.
Another major decision when having a cat is the question of whether or not you are going to have your cat spayed or neutered. For those who plan on breeding their cats, this is not a major concern, but for those who don’t have any plans on breeding should strongly consider these options in order to avoid a lot of complications down the road.
Not only are you protecting your cat from contributing to a litter of kittens that weren’t exactly in the cards, but you might avoid a lot of behaviors that occur when a male or female is fertile. AWhen a male or female cat is not spayed or neutered they may demonstrate such behaviors as urination, spraying their spent, and having to deal with a female’s heat cycles.
Spaying refers to a female cat in which the cat’s reproductive organs are removed in order to eliminate any chance of having kittens. By spaying your female cat you will have a more relaxed, active, and happy cat. Neutering refers to the removal of a male cat’s reproductive organs. Again, they will not be able to reproduce but you will find that they are not as aggressive as when they are unneutered.
Part of having a cat involves keeping an eye on their general health and well being. This is why it’s important to have a good veterinarian that you can go to when you have any questions or concerns. You need to be able to ask questions and receive helpful answers; after all you need to keep in mind that your cat’s health is at stake.
After many question and answer sessions with your veterinarian as you become accustomed to your cat, you will begin to be able to decipher when something is wrong with your cat. It won’t hurt if you make it a regular habit to check out your cat for any indicators that they may have a health problem. Below are the main characteristics you need to look for:
If there is any cause for concern you should speak to your veterinarian immediately. Even if you keep your cat clean, well fed, and vaccinated there is a good chance that your cat is going to be sick at one time or another in their life. This is similar to people, no matter how hard you try, eventually you get sick.
As with people, there are things that you need to look for in your cat to recognize if they are sick or not. Below is a list of symptoms that might trigger some concern:
If any of these behaviors catch your attention you should take your cat to the veterinarian.
No matter how clean you keep your cat there is always the chance that some little parasite is going to call your cat’s body its home. If you are keeping a good eye on the health and well being of your cat, you might be able to determine when one of these pesky parasites are moving in.
Ticks or Lice: Ticks and lice can be a very annoying problem for you and your cat. In order to determine if your cat is suffering from ticks and lice; you need to check your cat’s body. You can decipher a tick because you will either see the parasite or will feel it like a bump on your cat’s skin. You can actually remove these yourself if you know what you are doing. You just have to pull the tick out with tweezers, but don’t break the body while doing so.
After the tick is removed you should clean the area with an antiseptic. Lice are much easier to remove; you might notice your cat scratching a lot and find that these pests are the cause, just use a spray or powder to send these parasites packing.
Fleas: Fleas are a common problem with cats. Again, you can find these parasites with a quick examination of your cat’s body, this can even be done while grooming your cat. Fleas are not something that you can get rid of on your own; you will need your veterinarian’s assistance for this.
You may also need to look over your cat’s environment to see if there is a particular reason they contracted the flea infestation. Make sure that after you have treated your cat that you do a thorough cleaning of your cat, wash beds, vacuum, and use other flea killing products to help clear these pests out of your home and away from your cat.
Ear Mites: Ear mites have been mentioned earlier in this book because they are quite common in cats and can lead to many other health problems. This is why it is recommended to clean your cat’s ears on a monthly basis. If your cat’s ears begin to look a bit questionable and are not pink and clean, but waxy and icky smelling, your cat might have ear mites. You should take this concern to your veterinarian and have your cat treated right away.
Mange: Mange can be transmitted by a variety of different mites, but you should be wary because this is something that humans can be affected by as well. If your cat begins to lose fur in patches, bleeds, or has issues around the ears, nose, and ears, your cat might have mange. You need to get your cat to your veterinarian right away if this is a concern for your feline friend.
Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from you!
Once again, our feline friends are protagonists in this blog. Our first entry for this series was Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten. Where we talked about different breeds of domestic cats, some of them more exotic than others.
Now we are going to talk about the behaviors most cats share, the basics of grooming, and traveling with your feline companion. If you’ve read all the entries of this series, then you have a really good deal of information to face the challenge of owning a domestic cat, and proves you are truly committed to be the cat owner you want to become.
There are behaviors that many cats share, but you might not know the logic behind them. Below are many of these characteristics as well as explanations as to why your cat may perform them so you can better understand what your cat is trying to tell you.
The easiest way to determine how your cat is feeling at the moment is by looking at their body language; and there are two specific parts of their body that will give you a lot of information, these are their ears and their tail.
A cat’s ears can say a lot about what they are feeling or trying to express to others, different ear positions mean different things. When the ears are forward and relaxed, then your cat is happy and listening to the sounds around them. When their ears are erect, the cat is paying attention to something; they are alert to the happening around them.
Flattened ears can relay fear or the cat being anxious. When ears are completely flat, it means they are fearful and aggressive, plus the cat is probably hissing and has their eyes narrowed. When ears are turned back, your cat is either annoyed or aggravated, this is a warning to whoever has caused their mood.
A cat’s tail can also say a lot about their mood and what they are doing. A straight up tail means you have a content cat; a straight and quivering tail shows your cat is happy. When the tail is horizontally behind, this means that the cat is relaxed, confident, and alert. If the tail is straight with a hook at the end, your cat is being friendly, but is not quite sure of the situation, person, or other animal.
A swishing tail can mean your cat is being playful or that they are annoyed. But when your cat’s tail is straight and fluffy, it means your cat is feeling fear and is threatened.
Short answer, yes. Cat’s meow is their way of communicating with us; in fact meowing is something that cats only do to get attention from humans. They can meow for many reasons: to say hi, to ask us for something, and to tell us that something is not ok. A common meow can mean they want to say hello to you or just want their dinner and such.
There are other sounds that cats make that have other purposes like when a female is in heat and looking for a male, they kind of make like a howling sound. Or when a female is calling her kittens or a cat is being lovey with their owners, they will emit a rolling sound, like a chirr.
When a cat is hissing, this is a warning sign that your cat is not happy and they are getting ready to attack; also if your cat is growling, they want to be left alone. Now, if your cat is purring, it means they are happy and feel safe.
Are you still figuring out your life with your new cat? There are several tips you need to know in order to be a successful cat owner, so take a look at this: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Important Tips, And What Supplies To Get
Kneading is a common behavior seen in domestic cats, in which they push in and out with its front paws, alternating between left and right. It’s a form of feline flattery when a Cat kneads you; is like they were saying they love you. In adulthood, a cat supposedly will knead when they’re feeling happy or content because it associates the motion with the comforts of nursing and their mother.
Cats are very curious. You have probably heard the saying that involves curiosity killing the cat. This is why they climb and explore everything that they can. This is an instinctive behavior that can often get your cat into a lot of trouble. This is why you need to make sure that your house is cat proofed so that your cat doesn’t harm themselves while exploring.
When a cat is clawing a scratching post or your furniture, they are not doing it for no reason; they are actually getting the exercise that they need. When they claw, they are able to stretch their muscles. They can also be doing it to mark their territory as well.
Even though many of these behaviors may seem odd, your cat does have an actual reason for performing many of them. The best you can do is to try to understand them to some degree and make sure that your cat is kept safe.
Grooming is also a big part of having a cat. Just as you get a shower every day, do your hair, and whatever else your grooming entails, your cat needs to be groomed as well. Although you don’t need to bathe your cat on a daily basis, there are other things that need to be taken care of regularly.
You really don’t have to bathe your cat too often, especially if they are an indoor pet, but there will come the time that fluffy needs to get a bath. Giving your cat a bath is more of a two people’s job so you might need to ask someone to give you a hand. A good tip is to put something like a rug or towel in the tub that the cat can cling onto since there is a good chance the cat is going to freak out when it hits the water.
Make sure that you check the temperature of the water before you decide to dunk them; you need to make it a hot bath so they will be comfortable. Using shampoo specifically made for cats, start at the head and work your way down the body. You need to wash the head, ears and neck, don’t skip any spots when washing, but don’t get soap in your cat’s eyes. After your cat is washed and dried, keep them out of drafts until they are fully dry.
Now that you are learning about cat grooming, you might be interested in their diet. There’s a lot of good you can do for your cat’s health by taking good care of their diet. Start by taking a peak at this: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Cat Food And The Health Of Your Feline
If you start grooming your cat from an early age, they will love for you to take out the brush or comb and start grooming them. It’s important to brush your cat when you notice they are beginning to shed their hair, this is for your benefit and your cat’s. You cat will love having that extra hair removed, there will be less hairballs, and your furniture won’t have hair all over it. If you find the coat knotted when you are brushing, use your fingers to untangle the knot and not the brush or comb.
You also need to make sure that your cat’s nails are trimmed; you can choose to do this yourself or have a grooming service do it for you. If you decide to take the task on yourself, you need to get clippers that are especially designed for cats. You also need to be careful not to cut into the quick of the nail or you will end up injuring your cat, this is why many prefer to have a groomer take care of this chore. After the coat and the nails are taken care of, you need to make sure that your cat’s ears are clean.
Cleaning the ears should be done on a monthly basis. Do not use a cotton tip to clean your cat’s ears! This process should only be done with a cotton ball and some mineral oil or alcohol, do not go any further into the ear than you can see to avoid causing your cat injury. The last step in the grooming of your cat involved their dental care. Many cats suffer from plaque buildup and it can become quite a serious health problem. In order to avoid this you need to try cleaning your cat’s teeth.
Of course this might not be fully appreciated by your feline friend, but you need to wipe the cat’s teeth with a baking soda and water mixture. The only other way to ensure that your cat’s teeth get the attention that they need is to have your veterinarian look at their teeth and possibly perform a dental cleaning on them as well.
Some cats enjoy traveling where others do not; it really depends on your cat’s personality. Traveling can either be an easy or difficult task when you have your cat in tow. There are different ways that you can travel and there are also different things that you need to consider with each mode of transportation.
Traveling by plane can be quite tricky if your cat hates flying. You might have the option of having them on the plane with you or having to send them below into an air conditioned cargo area especially designed for pet travel. Some airlines allow you to take your cat along in a carrier that can fit below the seat in front of you. You need to specifically ask the airline if this is an option or not, plus you need to consider if your cat will fit into such a carrier.
If this practice is not allowed you will need to have your cat in a carrier and check them into the cargo area. If you plan on traveling with your cat you need to make your reservation far in advance and inform the airline that you will be traveling with a cat. You also have to make sure that your carrier fits the criteria of the airline. You might even be able to have your cat sedated for the flight time frame by your veterinarian to make travel a little easier.
If your cat likes to go on car trips with you, then traveling a long distance by car is going to be a piece of cake. On the other hand if they detest it, it might not be the most enjoyable trip. Either way, you need to make sure that your cat is ready to travel with you. First, you definitely need a cat carrier when you are driving to help keep your cat safe and so you won’t become distracted while you drive.
You also need to make sure your cat has their collar on with their identification tag on it. If your cat doesn’t like the car, you might want to try getting them used to it in advance by taking your cat out for short trips around the block or down the street. Before you leave on your trip, you need to make sure to pack your cat’s bag as well as your own.
You need to make sure that you have their bowls, food, medication, litter box, litter, cat bed, cat toys, and some sort of scratching post so they don’t tear up the room wherever you are going. If your cat absolutely freaks out when you put them in the car, you might need to come up with another plan for your cat while you are away
If you have the cat that freaks out whenever you try to travel by plane or by car, you will probably have to come up with a different plan. You can choose to leave your cat with friends, at home, or in a boarding place. Whatever you choose will probably depend largely on your cat and their attitudes and ability to adapt. A boarding place will allow you to leave your cat in a place where they will be taken care of.
Unfortunately not all pet boarding facilities are a great place to leave your pet, so you will have to do a lot of careful research before just dropping off your cat. A friend or family member might take in your cat so they can take care of all your cat’s needs while you are gone. You can also choose to leave your cat at home if you will only be gone a short time, or have a cat sitter stay at your home with your cat.
Don’t ask just anyone, make sure they can be trusted, and make sure to leave them with a list of things such as what food to feed them, when to feed them, when to clean the litter box, and any emergency numbers as well. For some, this might end up being the best option for their cat.
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