There are few pets as rewarding to own as a cat. Apart from the affection they give, cats also serve a practical purpose by keeping pests out of the house. People often underestimate how helpful a kitty can be, and how much one can do to get rid of pests.
You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
Keep your cat groomed. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. This can keep them clean. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. Regularly grooming keeps cats looking well and keeps your home neater.
Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.
You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 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.
Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. Cats don’t like dog products. This happens a lot with flea products. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. Keep them separated by at least one door for a few hours after treatment.
Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.
You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. You can use a microchip instead; you can store your contact information in the chip and it will not bother your cat. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
Make sure your cat is not too bored. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. Many owners just don’t have time. If your cat is bored, it might develop a depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors or ruin some of your furniture. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.
Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.
While cats lack the ferocity and imposing mass of dogs, they’re still capable hunters and loyal defenders of your home. Cats are natural hunters and they do not lose that instinct when they are pets. With such wonderful qualities, it’s no wonder cats are very popular.