Cats have been the companion of choice by many for hundreds of years. Musicals, books and even movies have been written about cats. This has created a sense of superiority in cats, knowing that they are the stars of the show in many households. This article is packed with tips and tricks to improve your relationship with your cat.
You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.
You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline’s bed. If necessary, change this out every few hours.
Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.
Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. Redirect your cat to the scratching post when they start to go after your furniture. Catnip can be put in the posts or on the tower to help train the cat to use it. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. Close your bedroom door if your cat is driving you nuts at night. You won’t be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.
You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. But for routine medication purchases, you may find a discount of 50 percent online.
Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. This can compromise your cat’s safety. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Cats love high spots. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.
Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.
Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. By feeding the cat the same kind of food over and over again, they become used to that specific food. Good luck getting it to try something new!
You should feed your cat food out of a can. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. That’s because this type of food provides your cat with more protein, good fat and water. Older cats find it easier to eat, too. Be sure to ask your vet about your pet’s food; however, canned food is usually the best for your cat.
If your cat begins defecating or urinating too frequently, it’s time to see the vet. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. Certain antibiotics prescribed by your vet can clear up the problem.
Litter Box
Consider the placement of your cat’s litter box. Do not hide the box simply to reduce the smell. The litter box should be somewhere that is easy for your cat to get to, however. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. Put a rug under it for cleanliness, too.
You should always try to keep your cat in your home as much as you can. It has been proven that indoor cats have a much longer life span than cats that live outdoors. Daily exercise with you doesn’t need to create risks for other cat attacks or diseases from the wild.
Be on the lookout for panting in cats. With dogs, this is something that is common. Panting could mean the cat is hot or scared, or something much worse. You should be speaking with a vet in case there is a respiratory issue.
Your pet may think it’s the boss of you, or even the boss of the entire world. When you use these tips, you can better your cat’s life and yours. Cats are great animals to have around; learn more about them so that you can enjoy them even more.