Cats are a popular pet for millions, and they deserve love and proper care. A cat owner like you should take time to learn about proper cat care and to use this advice to help your cat live a wonderful life. This article is going to provide you with smart advice about caring for your cat.
A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. Change it every couple of hours if desired.
When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. If your cat has been spayed, however, you won’t have to worry about this happening.
Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you’re not using them.
It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. You may be able to battle this issue by giving your cat a high place to chill. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.
Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. One way to alleviate this condition in your cat is by feeding him special food. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. Read the label. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
Use a tablecloth underneath your cat’s dish. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. This means food spillage that you will have to clean later. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Let your kids know which rooms your cat is allowed in. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.
Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. This can be very unsafe for your cat. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. They can get in a fight or be hit by a car. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. Putting a soft cat bed on the shelf can help to add a little comfort.
Don’t buy cheap cat food. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats in the wild are meat eaters, and domestic cats need meat to ensure optimum health.
Play is essential to your cat’s life. Just like playtime is important for other types of pets, the same holds true for your cat, despite whatever their age happens to be. Although older cats won’t be as active as younger cats, they still need a little exercise. Enjoy your cat every day.
Relocating the litter box can often help curb a problem with cats that refuse to use it. Just like humans, cats can be sensitive to where they eliminate, so choose a private location if possible. Some good places would be basements, laundry rooms, and any other place that doesn’t have a lot of noise and people going in and out.
Dogs will show a lot of enthusiasm through their tail when their owner comes back home. When a cat wags its tail, it means something very different. Tail wagging in a cat usually means he is thinking of attacking or running away. If you notice you cat begin to wag his tail when you are holding him, put him down to be sure you are not scratched or swatted.
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 a little love and effort, your cat is sure to have a happy and healthy life.