Although cat ownership is often delightful, it also comes with its share of challenges! When it comes to cats, you have to be aware of many things in order to properly raise it. Continue reading to learn excellent tips on properly providing for your cat.
If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.
Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. Choose an area that is well-ventilated to avoid bad smells. Your cat and you will appreciate it.
Cats love to be clean. If your cat has hair that’s long it could get hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.
Cats enjoy climbing on things. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.
Litter Box
Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. Certain techniques, such as rubbing the paws of your cat in the litter could actual traumatize your cat.
Use a brush on your cat regularly. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. It will also minimize hair loss. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet’s stomach and they later cough it up.
Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.
Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.
Although your cat’s old scratching post may look very worn out, you shouldn’t throw it away. The cats loves it the most in this condition. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
Drinking Fountain
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Cats prefer to drink water that is streaming. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. Installing a drinking fountain for your cat is a more eco-friendly way to provide it with some running water.
Does it feel like your home is overrun with your cat’s hair? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. It’s also a great aid to keeping the cat’s coat as pristine as possible.
If your cat is pregnant, make sure she has plenty of room to give birth. Labor can last as long as four hours, so stay patient. If it has been more than six hours and you believe more kittens are still inside your cat, you need to get her to the vet right away.
Your cat will thank you if you avoid phenol in your cleaning products. This is a chemical that is normally found in Lysol, Pine-Sol and other household cleaners. These chemicals can have a devastating impact on your cat’s liver.
Cats Human Medications
Don’t give your cat medicine that is meant for humans. Some people incorrectly give cats human medications thinking it will be okay in small doses, but it can kill him or her. If your pet has any issues, take them to a vet for proper pet medication. Giving cats human medications can cause serious problems and may even be fatal.
Think twice before feeding a cat table scraps in place of treats. Some foods we eat aren’t healthy for a cat. However, many cats relish a small cube of cooked, unseasoned beef or chicken. Eggs are also welcomed. Cat foods contain the nutrients your cats need, and if you are doing what the food’s directions say to do, then they should be fine.
Only put a breakaway collar with tags on your cat. Your cat’s curiosity may someday get the best of him, and he may stray too far from home. If there is a tagged collar on your cat, it’s more likely she’ll be returned to you if she gets lost.
Many cat owners give their cats a bath for grooming purposes. This isn’t usually necessary unless the cat gets into something really nasty, though. Cats have barbed tongues, and spend a great deal of time using them to clean out their fur. Cats are really picky about their appearance.
Caring for a cat may seem easy, and if you are lucky it is, but many needs lots of attention from regular check-ups at the vet. You can care for your cat best with the tips in this article. Reading this article will better your relationship with your furry friend.