Essential Practical Advice For Cat Owners Everywhere
If you were able to save a pet’s life, would this be something you’d do? There are literally millions of cats who are stuck in shelters through no fault of their own, and they need a loving forever home. If you need to know more about caring for your new cat, keep reading.
Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.
Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. Adopting your cat at a shelter allows you to save a cat’s life while also helping mitigate overpopulation.
Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.
Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. If you own electronic devices with thin cords, you should keep them out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them.
You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post. They can scratch the post instead. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Most cats prefer to be mostly nocturnal. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This will ensure you sleep much better, without cats jumping into bed with you.
Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. Bundle electrical cords together inside a tube. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.
Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. Make her feel like she is part of your family.
When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.
Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.
Cats like to be up high. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.
Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.
Cat Needs
To avoid having a picky cat, switch up the kinds of foods you give him. Cats who eat the same food day after day either grow tired of it, or it becomes the only food that they will eat.
Your cat deserves a high quality food. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Understand that your cat needs a lot of animal protein to stay healthy.
Play is essential to your cat’s life. Playing is an activity that is very popular with mammals of any age, and this includes cats and people. Even a mature cat that isn’t as spry anymore it still loves to play around. Therefore, be sure you set some time for playing with your cat.
Adopting a needy cat is something to be proud of. You’ve given a good home to an animal in need. You and your cat will form a bond that will last as long as you both will live. Take care of your pet and it will show its appreciation.
You need to carefully consider where you put the litter box for your cat. Many cat owners feel inclined to hide the litter box. The cat has to be able to easily access the box. Felines can be finicky. This means you must give them the right location and make sure it is inviting. If the litter box is on a hard surface, make sure to put something soft underneath it.
