Cats are fantastic pets, but they may be very finicky. From visits to the vet to dietary needs, cats require a lot of maintenance and work. Luckily, the article below will teach you everything you need to know.
Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. A breakaway collar is a good option since it will break if your cat pulls on it. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.
An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.
Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.
Cats are generally nocturnal. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. This will stop them from bothering you at night, and playing with your feet beneath the covers.
Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.
Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This habit means you will end up with cat food on the floor to clean up. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Let your kids know where the cat can go. If you want your cat to stay indoors, then the children must understand the seriousness of never letting it out. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.
Pay Attention
Pay attention and try to figure out what is causing your cat to meow. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. She will let you know when her demands are for food or when you need to let her out. You should pay attention to these cues and you will eventually learn to decipher them.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. Cars, people, or animals could hurt your beloved pet. Cage in an area for a cat in your backyard if they must go outside.
If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. Give them a bit more time to begin to get used to each other face to face, too.
Litter Box
Consider the placement of your cat’s litter box. You are surely tempted to put it where the smell will affect your surroundings the least. However, your cat’s litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.
It may seem easy to take care of your cat, but perhaps you don’t know everything you need to know just yet. With the suggestions provided above, you’ll be in a better position to address your feline friend’s needs and even anticipate them before they can cause problems. The research will reward you both!
