If you’re not used to cats because you’ve never had one, then you need to learn a few things first. These orphaned cats make up 1/2 of the domesticated pet population, and they can be a pain if you reside in the city. Continue reading to learn all you can about having a pet cat.
Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
Keep your cat properly groomed. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Put it inside a cloth and place underneath your feline’s blanket or bed. Change it frequently if you like.
Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. These days, pretty much all shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read these chips, and because they’re beneath your pet’s skin, they won’t ever get lost.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Demonstrate how the cat should be petted and handled and encourage your children to be very gentle. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. This will ensure nothing bad happens.
You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. This can be very unsafe for your cat. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. There’s the chance that your pet could be harmed by other animals or passing vehicles. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.
Cats have a love affair with heights. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. If you’re averse to cat trees for some reason, a shelf without breakable items will work. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
Litter Box
Do not discipline your cat if it makes a mess outside its litter box. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. If you punish the cat, it may shy away from you at future times.
Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. They are much better with encouragement. Inside the carrier, put a favorite toy and blanket. Leave it open in an area the cat will see. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.
Now you should have no trouble helping your cat to have the best life it possibly can. Cats can make great companions. Cats need to be loved and treated with care. You could even end up bonding with one of the feral cats.