Cats don’t have competition in the great animal kingdom and are great indoor pets for many reasons. Cats are energetic and a constant source of information. They’re also excellent defenders against household pests, like mice. You might be surprised at how many ways a cat can improve your life.
Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.
Scratching Post
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.
Most cats are very nocturnal. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. Close your bedroom door if your cat is driving you nuts at night. This will keep them from attacking your toes.
Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Make sure the children know where the cat is and is not allowed to roam. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.
Consider all the options before you let your cat be an outdoors cat. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.
Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.
If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.
Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.
Feeding them lots of different foods can lower their chances of becoming finicky eaters. If you feed your cat the same food all the time, your cat will likely be uninterested any any other brand or flavor.
Taking your cat to the vet regularly to get proper vaccinations and check-ups will ensure that your pet enjoys a long and healthy life with you. Your cat needs to get some shots regularly to prevent different illnesses and parasites. Your cat is wonderful addition to the family, and must be cared for in the same way that you would treat all members of your household.
Litter Box
Take notice if and when your cat ever stops conducting their business in their litter box. Using the bathroom outside of the litter box is linked to a number of cat health issues. Some common issues are bladder and kidney problems. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.
Though a dog is typically considered a better hunter, cats actually will go out of their way to track down small nuisances. Cats are effective mouse-hunters, but they are also cunning and inquisitive. This makes them fascinating pets. With all of these useful attributes, it’s no surprise that cats are so popular.