Famed poet T.S. Eliot once described cats as a creature on which a household depends, and there’s definitely some truth in his words. A cat enhances any household. However, cats can at times be difficult to have around. You should keep reading to learn how you can become a better pet owner.
Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.
Make sure your cat is always well groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. You can bundle loose cords together and place them inside paper towel rolls. The cords on electronics should be hidden as well.
Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Both you and your cat will be happier.
Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Make sure the children know where the cat is and is not allowed to roam. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Why is your cat meowing? If you have spent any significant amount of time around your cat, you will quickly find you can figure out what he wants when he cries. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. Getting to know your cats cues will help you to interpret her meows.
You must take caution when leaving your cat with any children. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. They don’t know what harm they can do. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.
Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. The foods to avoid are those with a large amount of corn and low amounts of protein. Cats need meat, not vegetables.
Frequent urination outside the litter box may indicate a visit to the vet is required. Cats sometimes exhibit this type of behavior when they have a urinary tract infection or other health concern. A quick course of antibiotics can head off dangerous complications if you get your cat diagnosed and treated early enough.
Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Cats can shed quite a bit; therefore, it’s important that you maintain proper grooming habits by brushing them often. Cats that shed a lot need to be brushed more frequently. It’s also a great aid to keeping the cat’s coat as pristine as possible.
The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes. When a cat eats these items, they can get very sick. Milk can too. It can give your cat stomach pains.
Health Problems
Don’t give a cat medicine that is intended for humans. If your cat has any health problems, you should take them to the vet and administer whatever he provides. Drugs and medicines designed for human consumption can cause serious health problems for cats, and in extreme cases, can even be fatal.
Panting is not a normal response for a cat. Panting is dogs is normal. While panting can be a sign that your cat is overheated or anxious, it can also be a sign of something much more serious. Talk to a vet right away when panting persists.
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. Therefore, in order to keep your cat happy and active, you need to consider obtaining another cat.
Do not give your cat too much food, as this can result in digestive problems. If your pet eats much more than it should, it may become overweight, which can lead to a number of illnesses. Keep an eye on how much your pet is eating, and be sure that their diet is balanced.
Place sticky tape on pieces of furniture. If the cat tends to scratch your upholstery, some tape may stop the practice. Some companies make tape specifically for this purpose. You should also provide your cat with a scratching post or a tower it can use instead of your furniture.
Investigate for spaces you don’t want your cat getting into. Cats are able to fit through gaps that are very small. This is very true of kittens. Remember this if you bring a new cat or kitten home. Seal up all holes no matter how small they might seem.
Some cat owners may wish to keep their cat well groomed and bathe them to keep them cleaner. However, bathing your cat isn’t usually necessary. Cats are constantly grooming themselves with their tongues. The tongue is actually barbed to help loosen and remove dirt. You could almost say cats are vain about their appearance.
There are great benefits which come from owning a cat. You need to get to know your cat better so you can focus on the kind of attention it needs the most. In no time you’ll notice more purring and less meowing.