Most people experience some things they do not think about when they get a cat. It is not a good idea to go into a cat adoption blind. Some problems come even with total preparation. However, preparing yourself in advance is best, and it helps you be ready for your new pet.
Groom your cat. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. It can really be a life saver for your cat.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat’s bedding. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.
Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. Most office stores sell a tube that you can stick all of your wires and cords through if the spray doesn’t work. You can bundle loose cords together and place them inside paper towel rolls. Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you’re not using them.
Scratching Post
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower. You should scold your cat when it scratches your furniture and direct its attention to the scratching post or tower. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.
Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This means that they will usually be quite active at night. One way to deal with a kitten’s playful activity at night is just to shut your door. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Fish products are usually higher in magnesium.
Use a tablecloth underneath your cat’s dish. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side. This makes quite a mess. Simply place a cloth placemat that will grab at the food under their plate and then shaken out over the trash. You can put a vinyl one underneath that can be picked up wiped down easily if you prefer.
Do you own a dog and a cat? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat’s food. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This will also prevent squabbles between them.
Litter Box
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. If you attempt to punish your pet, you may cause fear and resentment–and more accidents!
Provide your cat with a drinking fountain. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. Cats seem to like a water stream better. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.
Your cat will thrive if allowed to say indoors. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. Roaming around the house doesn’t cause as much risk as roaming the wild.
You should never let your cat use meds that were designed for people. If your cat needs medication, then you should take your cat to the vet. Using human medicine for your cat is harmful and can even cause their death.
If you have been at home with your cat for an extended period and then return to work, it is quite possible that your cat will show signs of loneliness. If this is proving to be a problem, consider getting another cat to keep them company while you’re gone.
Introducing new animals into the household can irritate cats initially. To keep things sane, keep the two animals separated for awhile. Let your cat get used to the new smells. Then gradually introduce the new pet to the cat. Take it slow so your cat does not get upset.
While the holidays might seem like a nice time to gift a pet to a child, they are quite hectic and sometimes not great for spending a lot of time getting to know a new furry friend. It is a better idea to allow your child to help pick out your new pet.
No matter how old or young your cat or where you live, the tips in the article above will help you with training your cat. There are certain common problems that arise when raising a kitten, but some cats will exhibit unique problems. More important than anything else is to enjoy every precious moment with you new little kitten.
