There’s no denying that pet cats are inquisitive, interesting little creatures. As independent as your cat may seem, he or she probably enjoys your company. They may also engage in erratic behavior. You should keep reading to learn how you can properly care for your beloved pet.
Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Therefore, ensure that drape cords are pinned away from your cat’s reach.
Keep your cat groomed. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. Such practices help keep cats’ coats clean. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.
Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. A collar can become a liability if your cat is especially adventurous. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.
Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.
Use care if you have kids and a cat. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.
You should brush your cat very regularly. This keeps the fur well oiled and the skin healthy. It also gets rid of shedding hair. This can reduce hairballs which can be harmful to a cat and build up in their stomachs.
Litter Box
If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. Cat usually respond well to streams. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
Make sure your cat has identification and a collar all the time. This is important even if your pet lives indoors. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. The tag should have your phone number on it. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.
If you notice that your cat isn’t using its’ litter box anymore, you need to take note. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
Many foods that are fine for humans are not good to give to your cat. These foods include grapes, onions green tomatoes and garlic. Even a little taste of these foods can make your cat seriously sick. Even though everyone knows that cats love milk, this can actually cause a cat to have an upset stomach.
Don’t ever declaw cats that go outdoors. Your cat cannot defend itself, rendering it helpless against other animals. The only place for a declawed cat is inside, with you. Remove only the front claws. Leaving the back claws is no problem since they won’t scratch your furniture or floors.
Keep an eye out on panting. Panting is normal behavior for a dog, but that is not always the case for cats. If your cat is panting it may be overheated or having anxiety. It may also be something that is a lot more serious than those things. Be sure you get in touch with a vet, especially if your animal has had problems with breathing before.
Though cats may be confusing, they can also become your best friends. The article that you just read will help you to deal with these circumstances. Cats make wonderful pets for most people, but only if you are willing and able to give them the care and attention they deserve.