Cats are great animals and intelligent pets. Being a cat owner is an enjoyable venture in life. Read this article and follow the suggestions it contains.
Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.
Your cat needs to be groomed properly. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. If you do this frequently you’ll be able to help the cat have clean fur. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.
Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!
It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. One way to nip this problem in the bud is to give your cat a dedicated perch of their own as an alternative to using your space. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Your cat needs plenty of exercise. Too many cat owners forget this simple fact. Cats who become bored often have issues that can affect them in a big way. Some of these issues are obesity due to eating out of boredom, OCD issues, fighting with other pets and depression. Make sure you give them lots of toys and room to play. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
You have to place a litter box correctly. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. They give lots of affection and need some in return. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. However, if it has a lot of hair, hairballs can occur. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.
Be sure to carrier train your cat. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. Over time, the cat will feel comfortable and go inside the carrier. Let it happen naturally or with only mild coaxing. Do not get angry. In the future, your cat will not get scared when you put him in the carrier.
Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. Cats who eat the same food day after day either grow tired of it, or it becomes the only food that they will eat.
Although your cat’s old scratching post may look very worn out, you shouldn’t throw it away. This is the time when your cats actually most prefer it. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.
Feed your pet canned food. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. Older cats also find it easier to chew up. You should listen to what your vet recommends, though.
Some food you eat isn’t good to feed your cat. Examples of problem foods include garlic, green tomatoes, onions and grapes. If your cat eats these foods, he may become sick or even die. Milk is something that can hurt your cat’s stomach, so beware of that too.
Do not use cleaning supplies with phenol in them if you have a cat. Many household cleaners, like Pine-Sol and Lysol, contain this chemical. Not only do cats intensely dislike the smell, the chemical can also cause liver damaged if they are exposed to it for a lengthy time.
Keep cats inside as much as you can, or at least close to you or your home. Cats that stay inside have been shown to live much longer than the ones that are allowed to roam your neighborhood. Indoor cats don’t face the diseases and other risks that outdoor cats do.
All cats have a strong sense of smell; therefore, they easily smell changes in your home. This can lead to issues when you introduce something new, such as a new toy, bed, or food dish. Your cat will probably not like these items immediately; therefore, be patient. Once the cat gets used to the smell of the new item, quickly he or she will get accustomed to it.
Cats are excellent pets but being a cat owner comes with certain responsibilities. However, in order to enjoy your cat, you need to educate yourself on how to best care for it. Read back over the advice again, then start applying the knowledge to your home environment. Kitty will be thankful!