Cats are wondrous creatures and loving pets to have. Their inclination toward independence makes them perfect if you are not always at home due to a busy folks. The tips below will teach you what you need to know to take good care of your pet.
Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This could hurt or kill them. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.
Ensure that you groom your cat remains groomed.Cats have regular combings. Doing it constantly can help you keep their coat clean. It also helps to reduce their shedding and may cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs.
Your furnishings and belongings can devastate your furniture with its claws. It might not happen overnight, you should be able to save your house from the claws.
If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.
Never let a cat experience frequent boredom. Cats need to play and play. Bored cats tend to develop depression and mental disorders that may negatively impact their health. Give them toys and a large number of toys. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching posts.
Cats are often nocturnal in their habits. This means nighttime is an active at night. This will prevent them from attacking your toes.
An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.
Give your cat lots of attention and affection. Cats need just as much companionship they give out.They want to feel like a valuable part of the family too.
Think hard before letting your cat outside. This isn’t safe for a cat. Your cat could get fleas or something even worse parasites. Cats can be harmed by cars, stolen or hit by passing vehicles.If your cat must go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.
Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box is supposed to be used. This is natural to them and is not learned. Don’t try to force them into the box by rubbing their paws or you will traumatize them.
If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. This is natural to them and does not need to 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.
Scratching Post
Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. This is the condition that cats most prefer it. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, that cat may look to your furniture for some clawing while it slowly breaks in a new scratching post.
Do not discipline your cat if it makes a mess outside its litter box. Usually this is a sign that you haven’t cleaned the box recently. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.
Consider getting your cat a special drinking fountain. Cats react better to a water stream. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the tap if they can! A drinking fountain is a more natural and environmentally friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
Make sure that you play with your cat gets plenty of opportunities to play. Take the time to have a little fun with your cat.
Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.
Think about where you put the litter box. It’s tempting to keep it in an inconspicuous place where it won’t be seen or see it. The thing to remember is that your cat can reach very easily. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, make sure to put something soft underneath it.
Litter Box
If you want to buy a second cat, prepare for some time where the cats will be familiarizing themselves with each other. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.
Pay attention if you cat won’t use their litter box. There are a number of health issues that can cause your cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. A variety of infections and kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the reason for its bathroom problems. Speak with your vet if you have a cat that has these issues.
Cats are perfect pets for houses and condos. But, if you own a cat, the only way you can be sure that you are properly caring for it is by doing your research. Use what this article has taught you if you want to be the owner of a cat that does well in life. Your cat now can enjoy a much more fun life.
If your cat is urinating a lot or in areas away from the litter box, they may need to see the vet. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.