It isn’t easy to adopt a cat and quickly get up-to-speed on how to care for it. Never make the mistake of getting a cat without doing some research and planning first. Even when you are prepared you might run into some issues. You should keep reading to learn more about how you can properly care for your cat.
Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat’s life.
If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.
Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.
It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Cats need to play and get regular exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. You need to give it new toys regularly and make sure your cat has plenty of space to run and play. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. Not only will your cat appreciate it but you will too.
Do all you can to figure out what’s causing your cat to meow. After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. You should pay attention to these cues and you will eventually learn to decipher them.
Do you own a dog and a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. Though you want to handle problems on your own, you may require advice from others who own cats. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
The tips you just read over can help any cat owner, no matter what their cat’s breed is. You also need to get to know your cat better so you can adapt to its needs and habits. Always keep in mind that it’s good to enjoy your cat while using the above tips.
