A cat is a wonderful companion, as long as you have the necessary skills and knowledge to care for it properly. You need to learn more on how to properly care for your beloved cat to make sure it is safe and healthy. This article has lots of useful cat tips.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. You should heat a terra cotta tile with your oven, at about 200 degrees, for around fifteen minutes. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls. You can bundle loose cords together and place them inside paper towel rolls. Whenever you aren’t using any thin, electronic cords, you should store them away.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. When the cat’s hair is longer, this could lead to hairballs. There are special foods that can ease this issue. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.
You may be able to find a better deal on your cat’s prescription online instead of purchasing them from your veterinarian. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance. Most of the time, you will get great discounts if you purchase on the web.
Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. Therefore, the volume of your music should be minimized, and turn it off completely if necessary.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. Show them how to gently pick kitty up and what kinds of activities are appropriate. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.
Always watch a kitten around small kids. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. When children get a little older, they develop the skills needed to be around small animals.
Litter Box
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not 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.
Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. When this occurs, it tends to be because the box is not being maintained properly. If you punish the cat, it may shy away from you at future times.
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. If you toss it away in favor of something newer, your cat may look for something older to scratch, and that may end up being your furniture.
Get your cat a drinking fountain. Cats like their water to move. Cat usually respond well to streams. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.
Feed canned food to your cat. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. Canned foods are also richer in fat, proteins and will help hydrate your cat. It’s much easier for older cats to chew it as well. Can food is generally better, but consult your vet first before feeding it to your cat.
If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, you should take him to the vet. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. A potentially serious illness may be able to be treated by inexpensive antibiotics.
If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. There are a number of medical issues that can cause your cat to suddenly stop using their box. Some common issues are bladder and kidney problems. Ask your vet if your cat begins missing the litter box.
If your cat’s about to have kittens, create a spacious area in which she can do so. The birth will take place over the span of several hours. When six hours passes, get to the vet immediately.
Try relocating your cat’s litter box if it’s refusing to use it. Cats feel vulnerable when relieving themselves, so make sure the litter box is in a secluded spot. A basement or laundry area might be a good option.
You cannot keep a cat as a pet if you are not prepared to properly care for it. In order to become a good cat owner, check out the advice contained in this article and take it to heart. With the right tender loving care you can ensure that your kitty enjoys a terrific, healthy life.