Cats are a superb specimen of physical power, mental awareness, and tactile agility amongst domesticated animals. Cats are also a very common household pet, and they are very populated in many areas. It may be difficult to live with a cat for the first time. These agile and intelligent creatures can be stubborn so you are going to need some information on how to do so.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.
You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this. Loose cords can be bundled and tucked inside old paper towel rolls. Electronics with thin cords must be put out of reach when they aren’t being used.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. They give us love, and we need to return it to them. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. They should feel like a valued family member as well.
Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.
You may be able to find a better deal on your cat’s prescription online instead of purchasing them from your veterinarian. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.
You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. Cats often like to remove food from their bowl to eat it off to the side. Sometimes this will make the area around the bowl messy, and you’ll have to clean it. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.
Why is your cat meowing? Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. She may be hungry, or she may want you to let her outside. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.
Litter Box
If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. Punishment can make your cat fearful in your presence.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. If you feed them the same cat food every day, they may not accept anything else. This makes it difficult to find food they’ll eat when a store runs out of a certain brand, or you are traveling.
When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. They might hide from each other or hit each other. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.
Try relocating your cat’s litter box if it’s refusing to use it. A cat’s instinct tells him that eliminating puts him in a vulnerable state, so try putting his litter box in a safe, quiet area of the house. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.
Your feline friend should always wear a collar and tags with your name and contact information. This is also true for indoor cats. It is possible that the animal might accidentally venture out of your home. If this occurs, you must be sure that your animal can find its way home.
Don’t ever give your cat medicine created for humans. If your cat needs medication, then you should take your cat to the vet. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.
Cats have a great sense of smell, which helps them easily grasp changes to their environment. This can cause problems when making changes in diet and surroundings. Don’t worry if the cat isn’t happy with the items when you first bring them home. They’ll get used to it given time.
Outsmarting the cat can turn into an effortless task after you read these tips. Soon, you will have your cat understanding where his limitations are. While dogs might be easier to train, cats are very respectable animals that stay well-trained and well-mannered.