Cats provide endless hours of companionship and entertainment. However, it should be noted that owning cat also requires a lot of hard work. There are a variety of important responsibilities that all cat owners must understand. The following article will explain to you those responsibilities. Keep on reading for excellent information on caring for your pet.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.
Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.
If your cat is getting older, you can increase it’s comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Put it inside a cloth and place underneath your feline’s blanket or bed. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.
Take your cat to the vet every year. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!
Cats are generally nocturnal. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. Make sure it’s properly ventilated to keep smell down. This will keep both you and your cat happy.
Reconsider outside time for your cat. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.
Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. They don’t know what harm they can do. When children are over the age of five, then you should decide whether or not they are mature enough to handle a kitten.
If your cat’s scratching post looks old and worn, don’t throw it away immediately. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
Provide your cat with canned food rather than dry. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. This food is easier to chew for old cat. Talk to the veterinarian prior to making any big changes; but, usually, canned food is best for your cat.
If you want to buy a second cat, prepare for some time where the cats will be familiarizing themselves with each other. In the beginning, they may not seem to get along at all. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Kittens, like children, need to have their vaccinations and wellness appointments regularly to prevent diseases and other health issues from becoming a problem later in life. Your kitty is a member of your family, so you need to treat him like one.
Litter Box
If your pet is avoiding its litter box, try moving it to a different spot. The best place for a litter box is in a secure, quiet area. Cats feel vulnerable when they’re using it, so they want it to be in a place where they feel safe. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.
When a dog wags it’s tail, it’s telling you that it is excited or happy. Cats wag their tail for a different reason. Tail-wagging in a cat usually means a conflict or that they’re deciding to flee or pounce regarding a situation. It’s especially important to keep an eye on your cat’s tail when you’re holding it. If you see it start to move, it’s time to put your pet down before you wind up getting scratched!
As was stated in the beginning of this article, you can benefit a great deal from owning a cat. However, if you’re wishing for a good life for your pet, you need to learn to care for it well. Use these tips to make your cat’s life complete.