Cats are marvelous creatures. Eliot called cats creatures that households depend upon, and that is somewhat true. Well-behaved, healthy cats are great for any home. If you’ve spent any amount of time browsing the Internet, you probably know that cats aren’t always that agreeable. Here are some things you need to know if you’re going to be living with a cat.
Spay your female cat. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. Ensure that you at least put the name of your cat and your personal phone number on this tag.
Litter Box
You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. Try and put it in an isolated area away from the cat bowl. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. This will keep both you and your cat happy.
Cats love to be clean. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. To assist your cat if it has this problem, you should get food that’s special. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.
You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you’re having problems with your pet. Although you might want to take care of things on your own, advice from other people with cats can be a big help. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.
If your cat does not use the litter box, do not use punishments to try to discipline him. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.
Get your cat used to a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. 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. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.
Make sure play time is an important part of your cat’s life. It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Take the time to play and have a little fun with your kitty.
Take your cat for vaccinations often to make sure he or she is healthy. Immunizations can prevent your cat from attaining viruses or diseases. Please consider your cat as a family member, and take good care of them.
Put a collar your cat with your contact information on it. You may have an indoor pet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t ever get out. Fitting your cat with a tag and collar greatly increases the chance that your cat will make it home safely.
Always keep your declawed cat indoors. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. An indoor cat can be declawed. The front claws should be the only ones removed. Don’t cut the back claws because they won’t scratch up your furniture or floors.
Never give your cat a medication that was formulated for humans. If your cat is suffering from a medical condition, be sure and take them to a vet to get the proper medication. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.
If you are planning to go back to work after being home with your cat all the time, it’s possible he may get quite lonely there without you. If you want to keep them from getting bored while you are away from home, you should think about getting another cat.
Overfeeding your cat can dramatically affect its future health. If your cat eats too much, it may end up being overweight and have health issues. Keep an eye on how much your pet is eating, and be sure that their diet is balanced.
Place some sticky tape on your furniture. If they scratch the upholstery up, place some tape on it to keep them from doing it. Your local pet store may carry tape for this. With this tape and a well-placed scratching post, your feline should stop the bad behavior quickly.
Cat’s are susceptible to many of the illnesses humans are. Because your pet is a family member, you are around them enough to know when they are not feeling very good. It’s crucial that you have them checked by a vet. Your vet will be able to notice the signs of an illness and give your cat preventive shots.
Look out for holes around the home you would rather your cat didn’t get into. Cats can squeeze into very tight spaces. This is very true of kittens. When you bring a new cat or kitten to your home, be conscious of this hazard. Make immediate repairs on any holes that you locate.
Cat ownership can be challenging at times, but it is always rewarding. No matter how active or lazy your cat may be, the advice you have read will help the two of you get along better. Sounds of contentment are bound to arise more often.