Cats are a very common house pet but there is also a wide population of wild cats. When you give one a home, you change it’s life forever. Knowing a bit about the care of cats is a useful skill to have, whether or not you intend to keep one as a pet.
Groom your cat. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. 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 you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. It can really be a life saver for your cat.
Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.
Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.
Don’t allow your cat become bored. Every cat needs exercise time and play! Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. This will keep them from attacking your toes.
When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your cat and you will appreciate it.
You should now be able to step outside of your residence and defend against stray cats invading your yard. Cats often attack other pets and tear up your gardens if you don’t watch out. Of course, you have to remember that cats can be sensitive so they need to be carefully cared for. Cats, whether feral or indoor, deserve a loving home.
