Fun, furry, and finicky: three words that perfectly describe cats. Some need special diets, and that is only the beginning. The information below will help you raise a happy and healthy feline friend.
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. This could save your cat’s life!
If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.
Electrical Cords
Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. Cats who love to chew need to be kept away from cords. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.
Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. It might take a little while, but eventually it should stop the problem.
Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.
Cat Owners
If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
Brush your cat regularly. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. It is also a good way to reduce shedding. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.
If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. If you attempt to punish your pet, you may cause fear and resentment–and more accidents!
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Place a loved blanket and favorite toy into a carrier and then leave the door open. Make sure it’s in an area that the cat frequents. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
While taking care of a feline friend might appear to be a simple chore, they do require special care, TLC and a fair amount of money to raise to adulthood. You should use the tips you just read to become a better cat owner and make sure your cat is happy. In the end, your efforts will be worth it.