If you know the right way to care for cats, they can be great pets. Every owner should learn the ways to care for a cat. You’ll pick up more than a few great tips on caring for a cat in the article below.
Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.
Most cats are nocturnal. They are often active at nighttime. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.
Give your kitty lots of love. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Cats have a need to communicate with others to show they are part of the family. They want to feel like a contented and satisfied member of the family.
Make sure that you have a good tablecloth for your kitten. It’s a common practice for cats to eat their food on the side of their bowl. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. To make clean up a breeze, use a place mat underneath the bowl or a piece of fabric. You’ll be able to pick it up easily and shake the excess food into the trash.
Try to figure out why your cat makes meowing sounds. If you have spent any significant amount of time around your cat, you will quickly find you can figure out what he wants when he cries. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.
Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? Dogs love to eat cat food! Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.
Cats enjoy heights. A happy cat is one that has a safe living environment. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Putting a soft cat bed on the shelf can help to add a little comfort.
Litter Box
Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.
Brush your cat’s coat often. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Cats are better trained by using patient encouragement. Place the open carrier in an area that your cat visits often and outfit it with a favorite toy and blanket. In time, the cat will head inside and be happy. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.
Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. Canned food gives your cat more protein and the water content helps with hydration. As a cat ages, it has a harder time chewing. Talk to the veterinarian prior to making any big changes; but, usually, canned food is best for your cat.
If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, be sure he gets his shots when he is supposed to an take him for a yearly check-up. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. Your kitty is a member of your family, so you need to treat him like one.
Take note if the cat ceases using its litter box. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, get him to a vet for a visit.
Every cat should have a collar with his name on it, the owner’s name, and a phone number. You may have an indoor pet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t ever get out. If this should happen, you will have a better chance of getting your cat back home.
Cats are great pets, but they need proper care. Use what you learned here for a happy and healthy cat. With the love and care that you provide it, you will make sure that your cat has a happy and healthy life.