Most families encounter a lot of unplanned obstacles shortly after adopting their first cat. If you bring a cat home without first preparing yourself, you will regret it. Sometimes problems will arise no matter what you do. The more you know, the better, though, so read on.
Cats like sneaking into small spaces. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. This could save your cat’s life!
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.
Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.
A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.
You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. Cats can become infected with fleas, ticks and ringworm. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.
Cats enjoy being in high places. For a happy cat, make sure you establish a safe environment for them to scan their surroundings. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. Put a blanket on it so they can rest peacefully.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.
If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. They may swat at each other or hiss; that’s nothing to be concerned about. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.
Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, close to home and near its owner. Cats who stay inside for most of their lives have a much better life span and are less likely to get diseases and parasites. Make sure your cat is trained as an indoor cat if you don’t want it to get diseases or other things that can happen when it’s outdoors.
Cats have a keen sense of smell, which makes it simple for them to feel out changes in their environment. For example, your cat will instantly detect a new scratching post, bed, food dish, etc. Do not be concerned if your cat does not accept these new items immediately. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they’ll be more interested in the new object.
If your cat is prone to regular hairballs even after brushing regularly, keep reading for some great tips that can help you out. Try mixing a teaspoon of pumpkin with your cat’s food. Add in an extra spoonful of water if the mixture is too thick. Another solution may be to use a cat food that has anti-hairball properties added.
Apply some sticky tape to your furniture. If you have a cat that scratches your upholstery you need to place tape on that as well. You can even find tape specifically designed for this use in many pet stores. You should also give your cat a favorable alternative by purchasing a scratching post.
Cats can get sick in some of the same ways you can. Your cat is a member of the family, so you know better than anyone when your cat isn’t feeling well. Bring him or her to the veterinarian if this is the case. The vet will be able to let you know if it’s something more serious.
The tips contained here are great for any cat. You also need to get to know your cat better so you can adapt to its needs and habits. Above all, remember that owning a cat should be enjoyable and rewarding, so relax and have fun.