Cats make wonderful pets, however, they can also be a bit finicky. From specific dietary needs, to grooming needs and behavioral challenges, you must consider many different concerns when you have a cat. This article provides some great advice on a vast array of topics to help you deal with your new furry friend.
Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.
Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
Most cats prefer to be mostly nocturnal. This means that they will usually be quite active at night. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. This will stop them from bothering you at night, and playing with your feet beneath the covers.
When traveling on the road with your cat, understand that they are sensitive to sounds. While you may like some good tunes, your cat is going to appreciate other things. Therefore, try to turn down your music or keep if off altogether so your cat has a better trip.
Create a tablecloth for the feline. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. This can lead to a big clean-up. You can also use any type of mat underneath your cat’s eating apparatus to reduce the mess.
Brush your cat often. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the fur. It also gets rid of shedding hair. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet’s stomach and they later cough it up.
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. While punishment is a good strategy to train dogs, it is not adapted to cats. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Put a nice blanket inside the carrier then leave it where the cat is most often. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. This is the time when your cats actually most prefer it. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.
Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. The identification tags should contain your home phone number and the number for your veterinarian. Veterinary information is essential if your cat needs medication.
Prior to adopting any long-haired cat, make sure you understand the extra work involved. While long haired cats are soft and look great, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. If you can handle the extra grooming and cleaning time, then a long haired cat might be a good choice for you. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.
Keep products containing phenol away from your cat. This is a chemical that is normally found in Lysol, Pine-Sol and other household cleaners. The smell from this chemical is disliked by cats. Also, when exposed to phenol for too long, it can cause issues with their liver.
Don’t give a cat human medications. Go to a vet if there are problems, don’t self diagnose. If you give a pet something that it shouldn’t take, you could injure it or even kill it.
Keep an eye on your cat if he or she is panting. Dogs love to pant. Your cat will pant if it is nervous or overheated but it could also be the sign of a more serious health problem. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.
If you have a cat with frequent hair ball problems, and brushing has provided no relief, the following tips might be useful. Try mixing a teaspoon of pumpkin with your cat’s food. You can also mix one teaspoon of tuna water in with the pumpkin. Anti-hairball foods are available commercially as well.
Looking after a cat is a lot of work, but you will also find that owning a cat is a very rewarding experience. Use what you have learned in the article above and you’ll be a great cat owner who enjoys their pet. The effort expended will be well worth it, and will be rewarded in many ways.