You will adore having a cat as a pet once you have the knowledge to care for it properly. If you wish to keep a cat as a pet, it is imperative that you know how to properly care for this feline friend. The following article is chock full of handy cat care advice.
Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. If you want, you can change it for a newly warmed tile a few hours later.
Flea Products
Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. Make sure at a minimum to put your pets name and your phone number on the tag.
It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.
The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic. In addition, it does not need to be near the cat’s food. Put it in a ventilated area to reduce odors. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.
You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. Something as simple as a place mat can help make cleanup easier.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Let your kids know where the cat can go. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. 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.
Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. Up until your child is five, children shouldn’t be alone with your pet. They don’t know what harm they can do. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.
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. You can find online cat forums to ask questions, or you can speak with your vet.
Cats do not need to be taught how they should use the cat litter box. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. You may have heard that rubbing your cat;s paws in litter will help them learn, but that may have a traumatizing effect.
Litter Box
When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. If you get mad, they’ll never use the box again.
Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.
Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.
While cats are awesome pets, you have to make sure you take care of them properly. If you own a cat, feel free to read this piece over so you can absorb these great tips. With the love and care that you provide it, you will make sure that your cat has a happy and healthy life.