Cats usually make their owners very happy. Make no mistake, though: Being a responsible cat owner involves putting in quite a bit of effort. There are various responsibilities that cat owners must know. Luckily, the article below will illustrate exactly what those responsibilities are. Keep reading to discover some great tips on caring for your feline companions.
Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.
Flea Products
Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. This is especially true of flea products. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. If you treat your dog for fleas, make sure you keep the cat away for several hours following the application.
Avoid letting your cat get bored. Your cat needs plenty of exercise. Many owners just don’t have time. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.
Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. Online prescriptions are not the best choice if you do not have the time to wait on a mail order, such as in a medical emergency. But if you have to regularly buy pet medicine, you can save 50% or more on some medicines by buying online.
Cats and small children may not always mix. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.
Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. This means food spillage that you will have to clean later. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.
Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Let your kids know where the cat can go. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. You need to establish some clear rules for your pet and ask everyone to follow them.
Don’t let your cat outside. Cats come to harm outside every day. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. They can get in a fight or be hit by a car. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.
High areas are ideal for cats. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. The cat will especially enjoy it if you put a blanket on top.
If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. Although you may feel like you don’t need help, other owners may be able to give you good advice. There are online cat forums that allow you to ask questions as well.
Litter Box
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.
Long-haired cats require more care than their short-haired comrades. All that hair will be literally everywhere. Long-haired cats can be very high maintenance over the course of the year. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
Cats create years of enjoyment for the families who own them. Pets are good for kids and adults. In order to provide a home that a cat will find comfortable, stable, and healthy, you need to be prepared to take responsible steps. If the thought of having a cat has crossed your mind, use the given information.