Cats and humans have lived together for centuries. Cats have found their way into poetry, movies, musicals and more. After this much interaction with humans, it is predictable that many cats seem to believe that they are running the show. In this article, you’ll find some advice that will help you properly raise your cat.
If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.
If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.
Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.
Your cat most likely spends quite a bit of time grooming. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
Cat medications can be bought affordable online. There may be some cases in which you cannot buy online, such as in an emergency. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.
When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. If your cat is going to be one that stays inside, let the kids know that it’s not allowed 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.
Try and figure out why kitty is meowing. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. It could be she’s hungry or needs to go outside. When you understand what each type of behavior indicates, you can improve your relationship.
You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. Although you might want to attempt to handle the problem yourself, other cat owners can provide you with excellent advice that may help you to resolve it. There are online cat forums that allow you to ask questions as well.
Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. In time, the cat will head inside and be happy. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.
Your cat needs to always wear some tags on a collar. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that’s open invites exploration. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. This precaution is especially important when your cat has an existing medical condition.
You should worry if your cat is no longer using its litter box. There are a number of medical issues that can cause your cat to suddenly stop using their box. Bladder troubles, kidney ailments, or infections can all cause this sort of behavior. Talk to the vet when your cat goes to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.
Don’t use chemicals near your cat that have phenol. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Your little friends find this smell completely offensive. Even worse it can cause liver damage over time.
Cat’s are susceptible to many of the illnesses humans are. Your cat is an important family member, so it is up to you to know when he/she is not feeling well. Take your cat to the veterinarian. A seemingly minor illness might really be something far more serious.
Since cats can catch many diseases outside, such as rabies or fungal infections, plan on keeping your pet cat inside. This is not saying indoor cats cannot be affected by some of the same things, but outdoor cats are more susceptible.
Like most cats, your cat probably believes the universe revolves around it. These tips might help your cat figure out who the real boss is. Cats are wonderful creatures; apply what you’ve just learned, and you and kitty will get along just fine.