Many people really are not prepared for the full responsibility of cat ownership. Never make the mistake of getting a cat without doing some research and planning first. But because they are curious creatures, some mishaps will still occur even with planning. All you can do is research as much as you can and hope for the best.
Keep your cat groomed. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. Doing this frequently can help them keep their coat clean. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. A well-groomed feline looks great on their own, but also helps keep a home well-groomed too.
Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. It can really be a life saver for your cat.
Female Cat
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.
Avoid using dog products on cats. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs. Flea products especially. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.
Never let your cat experience frequent boredom. Cats need play and exercise. Unfortunately there are too many cat owners who don’t properly exercise their cats. Boredom can beget illness. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Check the ingredients list on the label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.
Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. To keep your cat calm and collected over the course of your trip, keep the stereo low – or perhaps off entirely.
Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. A common misconception is to rub your cats paws into the kitty litter however this isn’t a good idea.
Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.
If you are bringing home a new cat, make sure to give him time to adjust to your current cat. It usually takes about three weeks. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.
When your cat is due to deliver babies, ensure that she has a comfortable area with some space. It could take 3-4 hours for every kitten to arrive, so be patient. Should the time run to six hours, and you think more kittens are due, get the cat to the vet immedietely
Don’t let a cat that’s had its claws removed go outside. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. Only take out the front claws. You do not have to touch claws on the back, as these claws do not damage the floor.
If your feline has hairball issues, and there’s been no help from brushing, try these tips out. Mix one teaspoon of pumpkin into your cat’s regular food. Try also mixing in some water from tuna with the pumpkin. Find a cat food with some extra fibers or another anti-hairball ingredient to get rid of this problem.
Dry food is a good choice for your cat. Small kittens do well on wet food, since their teeth are small. However, dry food is better for adult cat teeth. You can also try mixing dry and wet food until you get the consistency your cat prefers.
These tips for training cats can be applied to any breed or age as well as to any location. They are the basics on which your plans should be based. Just remember to offer lots of love and companionship to your cat. This is the key instruction to follow.