When it comes to pets, there is no animal like a cat. Cats make great house pets because they are smart, loving, and independent. Unfortunately, caring for a cat is not always simple. Read on for a ton of helpful tips on caring for your cat, and use what you will learn to provide the best home for your feline friend.
A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. 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 an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.
It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. Microchips are minuscule, but can hold all the essential information about your cat and its hope. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.
Litter Box
The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.
Cats will often devote most of their time to grooming. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. Buy your cat specialized food to prevent this problem. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.
Be careful as small kids may treat kittens too roughly. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.
Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.
Cats generally will meow for a reason. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. Maybe she wants to go out, or maybe she wants to eat. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
If you want to let your cat outside, think again. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, or get injured by a vehicle or another person. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? Dogs love to eat cat food! Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.
Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. They don’t know what harm they can do. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Cats have a love affair with heights. To keep your cat happy, offer him a spot of his own up high where he can survey his kingdom. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.
Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.
Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. If you attempt to punish your pet, you may cause fear and resentment–and more accidents!
Cats are unique creatures who can make wonderful pets if you learn all you can. Keep the information here in mind. Use what you’ve learned to enjoy your time with your cat.
