If you want to own a good pet, a cat is a great choice. You can get some helpful tips by reading the following article. These tips are helpful for all cat owners who want to live a happy life with their cat.
Spay your female cat. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.
The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. 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. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.
Though cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Establishing these boundaries ahead of time prevents any confusion.
Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. You may not have noticed a problem when you see them together, but very kids do not really understand they can accidentally harm or kill a kitten. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.
Litter Box
Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. Put a nice blanket inside the carrier then leave it where the cat is most often. Over time, the cat will feel comfortable and go inside the carrier. Let it happen naturally or with only mild coaxing. Do not get angry. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.
When your cat starts urinating often or in odd places, it may be time to see the vet. This behavior may be indicative of an infection of the urinary tract or some other issue. In many cases, cheap antibiotics will resolve the problem and keep your cat healthy.
Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? Cats are big shedders, so you should brush them frequently. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This also prevents matting and tangling.
Dogs will often wag their tails to show their happiness or excitement. Cats also exhibit this tail-wagging behavior, but the message is different. In cats, wagging of the tail tends to indicate conflict or anxiety. If your cat starts wagging its tail while you hold it, you might want to set it down to avoid getting scratched and swatted.
There are things you can eat that your cat cannot. These include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. These items can make your cat very ill. Your cat should also steer clear of dairy products.
If you have chemicals that contain phenol, make sure that you do not use these around your cat. Phenol is typically found in cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. The smell offends them and being exposed to it for several hours can cause liver problems.
If you are getting a pet, cats are a fantastic choice. For many people, a cat’s presence helps to instill a sense of calm and comfort. However, it is important to know the basics of cat care in order to live peacefully with your feline. Use these tips to achieve a great relationship.