Cats truly are wonderful pets. Felines are highly independent, making them perfect for homes where you are not always in the house. Of course, they’re just as wonderful if you’re able to be with them at all times. Implement the tips in the article below to make sure your cat leads a long and happy life.
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. This will especially be true if it’s a product for fleas. Your cat can die when exposed to flea prevention items made for dogs. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. Hide those loose cords and keep them out of sight in no longer needed paper towel rolls. If you have rarely used electronics, put them up when you aren’t using them.
It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. Cats love being up high so that they can see. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.
Normally cats are nocturnal animals. They get very active at night. If you have trouble sleeping because of cats, you may want to close the door to your bedroom. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.
Cats frequently groom themselves. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Keep in mind that a cat’s bones are much more fragile than a dog’s.
Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.
Cat Outside
If you want to let your cat outside, think again. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. Your cat can pick up fleas, or worse. Other animals and vehicles could also injure your cat. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.
Watch kittens around kids. Under five, the child needs to be watched. Younger children cannot fully understand how to properly handle a small pet. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.
Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. 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.
Litter Box
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. Punishments given to the cat will just make him or her less willing to be around its owner going forward.
Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Positive reinforcement is a better training tool for cats. Inside the carrier, put a favorite toy and blanket. Leave it open in an area the cat will see. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. Then, you will have no problem using the carrier.
If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. When a post is worn, your cats may enjoy it more. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.
Use canned food for your cat. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. Your cat will get extra protein and fats from canned food along with some of the water it needs every day. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.
When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. They might hide from each other or hit each other. Give them a bit more time to begin to get used to each other face to face, too.
There are so many reasons why people love to keep cats as pets. But, if you own a cat, the only way you can be sure that you are properly caring for it is by doing your research. Study the information contained in this article very carefully to learn how to be an ideal cat owner. This lets your cat be happy for a long time.
