Are you a person that owns a cat? Cats are a very popular pet, loved all over the world. Cats are finicky creatures who need lots of love and excellent care. Thankfully, you should be able to give your pet everything it needs. Continue reading to learn more about how to care for your cat.
Make sure your cat is always well groomed. They need to be brushed every day. If yu do this quite often, it will help them stay clean. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.
A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.
Take your cat to the vet every year. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.
A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.
Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Electronics with thin cords must be put out of reach when they aren’t being used.
Cats are usually more active during the night. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This will stop them from bothering you at night, and playing with your feet beneath the covers.
Make sure your cat is not too bored. Cats need stimulation. Too frequently this need is overlooked by owners. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.
The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. Your kitty will thank you.
Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!
Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your kids know where the cat can go. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.
Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.
If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. It may be a sign your cat needs food, or needs to be let outdoors. When you understand what each type of behavior indicates, you can improve your relationship.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Tell them how to be gentle. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.
Cats enjoy being in high places. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. You can also add a small bed or blanket at the top.
When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into. If you want your cat to stay indoors, then the children must understand the seriousness of never letting it out. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. A common misconception is to rub your cats paws into the kitty litter however this isn’t a good idea.
Cats have a love affair with heights. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. Put a blanket on it so they can rest peacefully.
Let your cat get comfortable using a carrier. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Put a nice blanket inside the carrier then leave it where the cat is most often. Your cat will start to venture into their carrier more often, until they are completely comfortable with it. In the future, your cat will not get scared when you put him in the carrier.
Anytime you get a new pet, you must introduce them to your cat slowly to help to avoid problems and let the cat get used to it. Keep them separated for at least two weeks, but let them sniff at each other under a closed door. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat. Therefore, they may hide, hiss, or even fight one another. However, if you allow them to slowly get used to each other, they will eventually become friends.
Feed your cat quality cat food. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Steer clear of food made primarily of corn and fillers. Cats are naturally carnivorous. If you want to keep them healthy and happy, you need to feed them plenty of animal protein.
Your cat needs good play time. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Have as much fun time with your cat as possible.
Aired Cat
Long-haired cats require more care than their short-haired comrades. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
Think about the extra work before buying a long-haired cat. Long-haired cats shed constantly, and the fur ends up on your clothing, floors, and everything else in your home. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.
Taking your cat to the vet regularly to get proper vaccinations and check-ups will ensure that your pet enjoys a long and healthy life with you. Just like with having kids, young cats need to be checked on to see if they’re doing okay from time to time. It also needs its shots so that you can avoid problems later on down the road. Your kitty is a member of your family, so you need to treat him like one.
Give your cat a collar that features your contact information. Even a cat you plan to keep indoors can sometimes get out or get lost. If this should happen, you will have a better chance of getting your cat back home.
If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. A variety of infections and kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the box when they suddenly associate it with pain due to their medical condition. If your cat stops going in the litter box, a call to the vet is in order.
Do not use cleaning supplies with phenol in them if you have a cat. The chemical is most often found in pine cleaners. These chemicals can have a devastating impact on your cat’s liver.
You may often eat things that are quite bad for cats. Common foods that are poisonous to cats include: garlic, grapes, onions and tomatoes. These foods are healthy for humans, but they can make cats very sick. Milk can too. It can give your cat stomach pains.
Keep cats inside as much as you can, or at least close to you or your home. Cats trained to live inside instead of outside live longer according to certain studies. Outdoor cats can be attacked by other animals and exposed to many harmful influences. Play with your cat daily to give it adequate exercise.
Watch out for panting. Panting is quite normal for dogs. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. Take your cat to see the vet if you notice it is often panting.
A declawed cat should not be outdoors. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. If your cat is an outside cat, do not have it declawed. If you must declaw a cat, only do it to the front paws. You do not have to touch claws on the back, as these claws do not damage the floor.
If your cat is prone to regular hairballs even after brushing regularly, keep reading for some great tips that can help you out. Mix one teaspoon of pumpkin into your cat’s regular food. In addition to the pumpkin, try one teaspoon of water from a can of tuna. Find a cat food with some extra fibers or another anti-hairball ingredient to get rid of this problem.
Your cat is a member of your family and his well-being is important to you. After reading this article, you should have a good foundation of knowledge on how to care for your pet. Implement these ideas to create a safer, happier home for your cat. The more you love your cat, the better.
If you work, your cat can get awfully lonely while you’re away. If your goal is to keep boredom at bay, then you might consider getting them a playmate in the form of another cat.