A few purrs, a smart animal and a delightful companion. These are the rewards of cat ownership. They can be a tricky pet, which means this article is for you. The following advice will show you how to take great care of your cat. So read on to discover them!
Drape Cords
Keep your drape cords away from your cats. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. To prevent this from happening, keep any drape cords pinned away from any eyes.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. Many owners just don’t have time. Boredom can beget illness. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Though a veterinarian will almost always have a supply of medications that your cat needs, it can be more cost-effective to purchase them from online venues. Sometimes you might not have time to wait for an online order to arrive however, such as if your cat needs an immediate antibiotic or emergency treatment. Most of the time, you will get great discounts if you purchase on the web.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.
Litter Box
Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.
While a torn up scratching post might look unattractive, do not get rid of it. It’s in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. Ditching the structure may alienate your cat, making it more likely to turn elsewhere in your home for its scratching needs.
If possible, always choose canned cat food. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. As a cat ages, it has a harder time chewing. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.
Keep a collar with ID on your cat. This is even true for indoor cats. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. Include your contact number along with the name of your veterinarian. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.
Getting a second cat is usually beneficial to both, but you have to give the two cats a few weeks to get acclimated to each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. After a bit of time, you’ll have two cats that will tolerate, and possibly enjoy, each other.
Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. Cats sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.
If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. A common sign that a cat has a medical condition is failure to use the bathroom in the litter box. A bladder infection is often at the root of the problem. Talk to the vet when your cat goes to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.
Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. Cats move their tails for a very different reason. Tail-wagging in cats may indicate conflict. If you are petting your cat and its tail begins to wag vigorously, stay away from the cat. It may be ready to attack you.
Now that you have read this article, you can better take care of your cat. You will become an improved owner. There is no denying that the quality of your companionship is improved greatly when your cat receives the care it needs. Try these tips and you’ll see the results.
