Cats make wonderful pets, but they are expensive to take care of properly. Litter, toys, food and vet bills all add up. Read on to find out what it takes to care for your cat.
Keep your cat 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 limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.
A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.
Normally cats are nocturnal animals. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Do your best to determine why your cat is meowing. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. The meows may indicate hunger, happiness, or a desire to go exploring. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
Your cat should like their carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Cats are better trained by using patient encouragement. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.
Do you feel like everywhere you turn you are surrounded by your cats hair? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. Cats that shed a lot need to be brushed more frequently. Brushing will also keep their coat in good shape.
Litter Box
Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. It’s sometimes tempting to put the box somewhere that you don’t have to smell or see it. You have to accept the fact that easy access for your cat is the first priority in choosing a spot for the litter box. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. A litter box located in the basement should be placed on a thick mat or rug.
If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. This could be a side effect of a health problem. A variety of infections and kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the box when they suddenly associate it with pain due to their medical condition. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
If you’re dealing with a cat that won’t use the litter box, you should place it somewhere else. A cat has instincts that tell it when it goes to the bathroom it is vulnerable. This is why a box should be placed in an area that is quiet and safe. Some good places would be basements, laundry rooms, and any other place that doesn’t have a lot of noise and people going in and out.
Put a collar your cat with your contact information on it. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, there is that small chance he or she might get out one day. When your cat gets outside unexpectedly, it’s your responsibility to enable others to help your cat find their way home again.
Many foods that are fine for humans are not good to give to your cat. Onions, garlic, grapes and green tomatoes are among these foods. When a cat eats these items, they can get very sick. Milk is another food to stay away from.
Your cat will thank you if you avoid phenol in your cleaning products. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Not only do cats intensely dislike the smell, the chemical can also cause liver damaged if they are exposed to it for a lengthy time.
Never make the choice of giving your cat human medication. When your cat has health issues, they should be taken to their vet, who will give them any medication they need. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.
Cats have a surprisingly acute sense of smell, making it easy for them to detect change in their environment. This can cause problems when making changes in diet and surroundings. Do not be concerned if your cat does not accept these new items immediately. As the smell of your home gets onto the items, they’ll warm up to them.
Overfeeding your cat can result in serious health issues as he ages. They can develop diabetes or heart disease, just like humans. Feed your cat only as much as the packaging suggests.
Search your home for gaps or holes prior to bringing in a new cat. Cats often fit through small openings. Kittens are especially vulnerable. Look into this before getting a new cat. Cover or repair large holes you see.
Before you are tempted to give your feline bits of food from your table, think about how it may affect his health. The ingredients and preservatives in our food, as well as our cooking methods, are not safe for cats. A great treat for your cat is a little bit of egg or cooked beef or chicken. But, simply by adhering to the weight and age recommendations on cat food packaging, you will ensure a proper diet.
Any pet can cost a lot to properly care for, and that is also true of cats. Caring for cat is almost like having a child, considering what needs to be done to take care of them. You should apply the tips you just read, and do your best to be a responsible cat owner.