Take This Pawsitive Cat Quiz To Keep Feline Good!

The first thing to do when you notice your cat isn't using its litter box is to see if it is dirty. Sometimes a kitty won't use it if it has not been cleaned out. If the litter box isn't the problem and your household hasn't undergone recent changes that could affect your cat, take your furry friend to the vet just in case there is an underlying problem.

The best place to find a pulse on your cat is inside the upper hind leg, where you'll be able to assess if it's too weak or too rapid. This is a good indicator of what is going on with the cat. A normal heart rate for cats is 140 to 220 beats per minute — take the pulse for 15 seconds, then multiply by four.

Provide your cat with a proper diet, including an appropriate portion size, to help your cat maintain a healthy weight. Your veterinarian can help you monitor your cat's weight as it enters new stages of life.

Playing with your cat is not only important but also a fun way to interact with them. Playing gives them a chance to burn off some energy and stay fit, while you get the satisfaction of enjoying time with your furry friend.

Any changes in the behavior of your kitty — anything out of the ordinary — can be cause for concern. If you notice a change in appetite, for example, it's probably best to take your cat to the vet, where they can be tested for any health issues.

Cats should be given their parasite medicine once every single month for their entire lives. It will help protect them from many different types of parasites that could attack them. Make this treatment part of your monthly care routine, and your cat should have no trouble!

The best alternative here is to hide your cat's medicine in a treat. If your kitty still won't take the pill, consult the veterinarian, who can show you the proper way to administer the pill directly into the cat's mouth.

There are many ways to help your cat avoid overexposure to the sun, including keeping them indoors during peak sunshine hours and providing shady areas. Sunscreen is another option. Ensure that the sunscreen you choose is designed for your pet. Your cat will start to groom as soon as you apply sunscreen, so all of the ingredients must be safe for cats.

Keep your cat's vaccinations up to date to help them stay healthy. All cats need certain vaccinations, but a veterinarian can assess your kitty and recommend what is best for them specifically.

Certain chemicals can be deadly to a cat, so it's important to always keep them shut away in a cupboard or other place that the cat can't access. If you do this, you'll never have to worry about your kitty getting poisoned.

Grooming your cat is very important, as they often shed their fur. It's no secret that a cat will groom their own hair with their nifty tongue, but a little help from you will stop them from ingesting anything they shouldn't that could be on their coat.

Comfort and warmth are important for humans to get a good night's sleep, and a cat needs the same care. Putting a nice soft blanket or cushion down in their bed will keep them cozy and comfortable, leading to a happier and healthier kitty!

A healthy cat's nose varies in dampness throughout the day, depending on recent activity, humidity in the air, a recent trip to the water bowl and more. It's a myth that a dry nose automatically signals illness — get used to your cat's version of normal, and contact your vet if anything seems out of the ordinary.

Cats who need to spend time in a kennel face the possibility of catching something from other animals. While the risk is low, it's still something to be aware of when you're preparing to have your cat stay in a kennel for a few days.

It's important to brush your cat's teeth; this is something that all cat owners should put into their care routine. Three times a week is frequent enough to keep your cat beautiful and healthy.

Chocolate is just one food that is toxic to cats. It's never a good idea to feed this to your furry friend. A few other foods that should never be given are raw meat, tuna meant for humans, and onions, all of which can have devastating effects on your kitty. Grapes should be avoided as well.

It's not good to have too few litter boxes — a cat needs their private space sometimes. As long as you have a litter box for each cat and another one for a rainy day, there should be nothing to worry about.

A scratching post offers many benefits for both your feline friend and you. It keeps their nails healthy and fills their appetite for scratching; it will also save much of your furniture and upholstery. Having a scratching post is a win-win situation!

If your furry friend is experiencing problems, a vet visit should always be scheduled to keep them healthy. But if they seem to be healthy and happy, then visiting once a year for a checkup is recommended.

There are so many benefits to spaying or neutering your cats. You'll never have to worry about unexpected kittens, and your cat will be less likely to mark their territory in the house. The procedure can also reduce the risk of certain cancers.

Healthy and nutritious cat food will help your kitty to thrive. Look for a bag that specifies the meat that is included. Consult your cat's veterinarian for specific recommendations.

Mosquitoes are notorious for spreading heartworms to cats who spend a lot of time outside. However, this condition can still happen to cats that stay indoors, so preventive medication is always advised.

Taurine is an amino acid, essential to your cat's wellbeing. Taurine supports normal heart function, good vision and reproductive health. A healthy diet is key to caring for your kitty!

If your cat is meowing much more than usual, it could be a sign that they're experiencing pain. Know your cat and their habits — you're the best qualified to catch any unusual behavior that could signal a problem.

If you've noticed your cat licking that one spot a little too much, it may be time to check for parasites. This behavior can be an indicator of a few other conditions as well, including if they are experiencing pain.

The right vitamins and supplements can benefit a senior cat in many ways. It's always wise to speak with your kitty's veterinarian about the best options. Your cat will thank you for helping them feel their best.

Bringing a new kitten home is an event that many look forward to, but there are ways to make it easier for both of you. Slowly introduce your kitten to new spaces. Give them their own little space to get used to at first, and they'll quickly open up to the rest!

An expectant kitty has more mouths to feed — those future kittens need their nutrition in order to grow. You might find yourself filling that food bowl a little more than usual. Choose food that is formulated for pregnant cats.

Creating a warm and cozy spot for your cat to lie in can show them that they'll be much more comfortable inside during the winter. It's always good to do this, whether your kitty is an inside or outside cat. Also, feed your cat indoors to encourage them to develop an indoor habit.

Diabetes can be quite a serious issue in cats. It can't be cured, but it can be managed. Talk to your kitty's vet about options. They may suggest diet modification or insulin injections.

You'll want to keep lilies away from your home, due to their danger to cats. Even a small amount can be fatal or, at the very least, cause kidney damage. It's best to avoid lilies if you have a cat, no matter how pretty they are.

Kitties who are constipated should probably visit the vet to get some testing done as soon as possible. From there, the vet can determine what the issue is and suggest a laxative or other treatment to help get them back on track. Increasing water consumption and exercise may also be helpful.

A little bit of drooling is normal for cats in some cases, like when they're enjoying something or they're nervous. But too much drooling can be a sign of something much worse. If your kitty is drooling for a long time, it could be caused by mouth issues or something they ingested. It's best to contact the vet.

Combined with a few other symptoms, hairballs can cause problems if they aren't coming up. Your cat's vet will provide the best remedy, but you can help your kitty avoid this problem by grooming them frequently.

It can be tough to remember to do this all the time, but if you do a quick check for your pet before moving anything that might injure them, then you'll have peace of mind. No one wants to recline in their chair and accidentally hurt their furry friend. Looking and then acting keeps everyone safe!