The poet T.S. Eliot said once that cats are a animal in which the household needs, this is true! A well behaved and healthy cat can enhance any household. There are, however, many reports of cats being difficult and temperamental. You should keep reading to learn how you can become a better pet owner.
Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. A collar can become a liability if your cat is especially adventurous. A collar that will breakaway is the best idea for safety. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.
Flea Products
You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. This definitely applies to flea products. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. Make sure to separate your cat from your dog after spraying.
Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. You need to get a scratching post or a cat tower to prevent your cat from ruining your furniture. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. You need to establish some clear rules for your pet and ask everyone to follow them.
If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. When your cat is a member of the family, their sounds start to become familiar to you. This makes it easy to determine what various meows might mean. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. Know what your cats cries mean so that you’re able to understand the cat more.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. 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.
Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
Litter Box
Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. Many times, this is caused by failure to properly clean or place the litter box. If you attempt to punish your pet, you may cause fear and resentment–and more accidents!
Don’t buy cheap cat food. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. Corn and other such protein-free fillers are things you want to stay well away from. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.
Put tape that’s sticky onto your furniture. Whenever your cat scratches any upholstery, sticky tape is a great way to dissuade them from doing it again. There is specific tape for this purpose. Place sticky tape on your furniture and install a scratching post in order to kick this bad habit.
Think about keeping your cat primarily inside the house. Outdoor cats are less friendly to humans and are more likely to catch diseases. Some diseases and parasites brought home by your cat could even be transmitted to your family. To make a cat feel like it is outdoors, ensure you have a room with plenty of natural light in it for your cat to enjoy.
Some cat owners are tempted to bathe their cats to keep them clean and well-groomed. However, this is typically not necessary. The only time your cat really needs a bath is when it gets extremely dirty. Cats groom and clean themselves all throughout the day with their tongues. Cats have been known to be a bit particular on how they look.
Make sure to give your cat frequent flea medication. Monthly drops can be very effective. These kinds of medications will help your cat be free from parasites that suck blood from the pet and can lead to diseases. Choose a cat-specific brand to ensure their safety.
Bad Weather
Your cat should be kept inside during inclement weather. Bad weather can include times of unusual cold and heat, as well as constant rain and windy periods. When it is bad outside, cats search for a hiding place, which may be under a car’s hood. Leaving your cat out during bad weather could cost you his life.
While cats can be finicky and demanding, loving and taking care of a cat can be very rewarding. Whether you have a cat that has high energy or low, this advice will help you to better your relationship with your kitty. Before long, your cat will spend more time purring and less time complaining.