There are so many joys you can get from just having a cat. However, caring for a cat can be a lot of work and time-consuming. There are many responsibilities that every cat owner needs to be aware of. This article has tips from the pros you can’t care for a cat without. Keep reading and learn a little something about caring for your cat.
Keep your cat groomed. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. Keep your cat looking at its best by grooming it well.
A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. 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. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.
Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.
Litter Box
You have to place a litter box correctly. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.
It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. However, if it has a lot of hair, hairballs can occur. One way to alleviate this condition in your cat is by feeding him special food. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. 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.
You should not train your cat to use a litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. A lot of people think that rubbing a cat’s paws in its litter box may help them, but in reality, it can be damaging to them.
If your cat urinates frequently or outside his box, you may need to talk to your vet. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. A potentially serious illness may be able to be treated by inexpensive antibiotics.
Does it seem like your cat’s hairs are everywhere you look? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This will lessen the amount of hair around your home and it will keep them from getting knots in their hair if they have medium or long hair.
Confine a sanitary area of the house for your cat to give birth. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.
If you’re dealing with a cat that won’t use the litter box, you should place it somewhere else. A cat has instincts that tell it when it goes to the bathroom it is vulnerable. This is why a box should be placed in an area that is quiet and safe. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.
Overfeeding a cat is a bad idea. It can lead to obesity, diabetes and other health related problems. Know how much your cat is eating and be sure the cat has a diet that is balanced well.
Apply some sticky tape to your furniture. This type of tape helps prevent your cat from scratching your furniture if it does this constantly. Certain pet stores even sell this type of tape for this reason. Booby-trapping furniture and getting a scratching post can help you break your cat of this habit.
Be wary of any small spaces around your house that you want to keep your cat out of. Cats can fit through very small gaps. Be especially careful with kittens. Make sure you know where all the holes in your house to help protect the kitten before it comes home. Cover all holes.
Do not allow your cat to eat from your hand or under the table. Human food can upset your cat’s stomach and make it sick. To give a cat a real treat, offer a small amount of egg, beef or chicken you have cooked. Your cat has a proper diet if he is getting the proper food for his weight and age.
Don’t let parasites like fleas and ticks attach themselves to your pet. Always use treatments to deter them. Monthly drops are available and they’re very effective. Using these chemicals protects your pet from parasitic organisms, many of which are capable of causing serious illness. Be sure to use something made just for cats to keep your pet safe.
As was stated in the beginning of this article, you can benefit a great deal from owning a cat. Of course, the only way to experience this is to provide everything your cat needs to be healthy and happy. If you see cat ownership in your future, put these tips to good use!
