You’re In The Right Place To Learn More About Cats
Most families encounter a lot of unplanned obstacles shortly after adopting their first cat. Never take on a pet unless you are prepared to be responsible. Some problems come even with total preparation. All you can do is research as much as you can and hope for the best.
Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. Flea products can be especially harmful. These products can be fatal for your cat. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. If you can, stick with one vet for your cat’s entire life. Your veterinarian needs to know about your pet’s history, and your cat will feel more comfortable if you always take her to the same vet.
Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. They love being above everything so that they can watch it all. Give them an alternative. Having a cat tower near your kitchen will keep them off your counters.
Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. Wrap it in an old towel and put it under your cat’s bed or blanket. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.
Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.
Cats are often nocturnal creatures. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. Close the door to prevent the noise from getting to you. This will ensure they don’t pounce on you at nighttime, or wake you up in other ways.
Scratching Post
If you’re taking kitty on a road trip, don’t play loud music. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. Keep the music turned down or off when taking your cat on a trip.
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. You should scold your cat when it scratches your furniture and direct its attention to the scratching post or tower. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.
Be careful as small kids may treat kittens too roughly. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Cats should be handled more gently since their bones are more fragile than those of dogs.
Always watch a kitten around small kids. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.
Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Let your kids know which rooms your cat is allowed in. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.
Litter Box
You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. Cats can also be hunted by other animals, stolen or hit by passing vehicles. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
Don’t try and teach your kitty how the litter box is supposed to be used. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.
If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. If you attempt to punish your pet, you may cause fear and resentment–and more accidents!
You should give your cat at least three weeks to grow used to the presence of a new animal. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. Cats never respond to punishment the way that dogs do. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.
It’s important that cats get play time. No matter what age, play is common among cats and other animals. While older cats aren’t near as energetic, they still enjoy playing often. Take time to have fun with your cat.
Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! This is the condition that cats most appreciate. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
Keep your cat healthy, and ensure him a longer life, by keeping him up-to-date on his vaccinations and health check-ups. Immunizations can prevent your cat from attaining viruses or diseases. Your cat is a family member and ought to be treated as such.
Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.
Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. If your cat refuses to use its litter box, there may be an underlying health concern. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. Talk to the vet when your cat goes to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.
Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. This is important even if your pet lives indoors. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. The tag should have your phone number on it. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.
Dogs let you know when they are excited and/or happy when they wag their tails. Cats wag or move their tails from side to side as well, but not for the reasons dogs do. Tail-wagging is usually a sign that your cat is considering attacking or fleeing. If you hold your cat and it starts wagging its tail, you should put your cat down right away.
Consider the placement of your cat’s litter box. Many people want it in an out of the way spot. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. Your cat will use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet place and away from smells your cat does not enjoy. If the litter box is on a hard surface, make sure to put something soft underneath it.
Every cat should have a collar with his name on it, the owner’s name, and a phone number. Even a cat you plan to keep indoors can sometimes get out or get lost. If this occurs, you should ensure you do all you can to get your cat back.
Such training concepts are useful for all types of cats. There are certain common problems that arise when raising a kitten, but some cats will exhibit unique problems. Above all, remember that owning a cat should be enjoyable and rewarding, so relax and have fun.
Avoid any products containing phenol around your cats. This is a chemical that is normally found in Lysol, Pine-Sol and other household cleaners. The smell from this chemical is disliked by cats. Also, when exposed to phenol for too long, it can cause issues with their liver.
