Intriguing and inquisitive, cats are the preferred pet for millions of people. If you own a cat, you must learn as much as possible about caring for your pet so that it can lead a long and happy life. Read this article and follow the suggestions it contains.
You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. This could cause injury or death. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Create a tablecloth that your cats can use. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. This can lead to a big clean-up. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. It’s also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn’t escape. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.
Why is your cat meowing? After you have lived with your cat for a while, you will come to know what she wants by her meow. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. Pay attention to her cues, and you can understand your cat that much more.
Do you own a dog and a cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. Because of this, you should keep your cat’s food in a high spot that your dog won’t be able to reach. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
Cats like to be up high. Make sure your cat has a safe place to play. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. Make sure that this area is comfortable for your cat.
Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.
You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Cats need meat, not vegetables.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. When cats are in the wild they tend to prefer water that is running when they are thirsty, this applies to cats at home. Cats react better to a moving water stream. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. This is a more natural way for them to drink.
It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. Cats sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. A potentially serious illness may be able to be treated by inexpensive antibiotics.
Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? Since cats shed so much, you must remember to brush them regularly. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. This also prevents matting and tangling.
Outfit your cat with a tag and collar containing your address, phone number, and name. Even if your cat lives in the house, he could always get out. It is important that you provide a way that they can get back home if that should happen.
Your cat will thank you if you avoid phenol in your cleaning products. Lysol and Pine-Sol are two examples of products that contain this chemical. Cats hate the smell of phenol and continuously exposing them to it could cause liver problems later in their lives.
Cats are awesome pets, as previously described. You have to work hard to keep them healthy and entertained. Take these suggestions to heart so you can learn to be a great cat owner. Kitty will be thankful!
