Humans and cats have lived as companions for centuries. Cats have also inspired countless works of art, including songs, plays, and films. In fact, cats usually believe that they rule the world. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find tips on how to be a better cat owner.
Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. This will keep your cat’s coat clean. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.
It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. These products can be fatal for your cat. If you treat your dog for fleas, make sure you keep the cat away for several hours following the application.
If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. 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. A spayed cat is a safe cat.
Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. Sooner or later, they’ll love to use it.
Cats are nocturnal animals. This means that they will be the most active at night time. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Cats need to exercise and play. Too frequently this need is overlooked by owners. Cats who become bored often have issues that can affect them in a big way. Some of these issues are obesity due to eating out of boredom, OCD issues, fighting with other pets and depression. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.
Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Cats need a social life with people just like you do with other people. They should feel like a valued family member as well.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats. Demonstrate how the cat should be petted and handled and encourage your children to be very gentle. Cats’ bones are more fragile than those of dogs, so they need gentler treatment.
Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online. But, if your cat is on a regular medication, you can save quite a bit by buying it online.
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. Establishing these boundaries ahead of time prevents any confusion.
Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Cat’s will often remove food from their bowl to eat it. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.
Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Cats usually respond well to encouragement. Put their favorite toy and blanket in a carrier. Leave it somewhere they always go to. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.
Regularly brush your cat’s hair. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. As an added bonus, it cuts down on loose fur. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
Feed your cat several different kinds of food if you want to the lower the chances of them becoming finicky. If you feed them only one type of food, they may refuse to eat anything else. However, stick with the same brand, and just vary the flavors because cats can have stomach problems if you vary the food too much.
Litter Box
You need to buy some quality food for your cat. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.
If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.
Your cat needs good play time. As a matter of fact, exercise is crucial for all animals. Even older cats love a little play, just not as rough. Take time and play with your cat regularly.
Make sure your cat’s collar has important information, such as your address, phone number and name. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, there is that small chance he or she might get out one day. If your cat does get out, make sure that it can get home.
Is there cat hair everywhere? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This will help to prevent tangling and matting.
Your cat may feel like the king or queen in your home. However, it is possible to get a cat to realize that it is actually you who is in charge. Cats are great animals to have around; learn more about them so that you can enjoy them even more.
Pay attention if your cat won’t use their litter box. If your cat refuses to use its litter box, there may be an underlying health concern. A bladder infection is often at the root of the problem. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.