If you’re not used to cats because you’ve never had one, then you need to learn a few things first. By learning how to properly care for a cat, you can ensure that they remain healthy. Read on to find out how to care for him.
Cats like sneaking into small spaces. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. This will help you save your cat’s life.
If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.
Flea Products
Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs. This is especially true of flea products. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.
Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. Cats have a natural predilection for staking out a nice elevated place where they have a good view of their surroundings. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Putting a cat tower in or near the kitchen can help keep the cats from laying on the counter.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Every cat needs exercise time and play! Sadly, this is overlooked by many cat owners. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Make sure you give them lots of toys and room to play. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.
Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Choose a cat food with low magnesium content. Read the label. Poultry-based foods are generally lower in magnesium than fish.
When traveling on the road with your cat, understand that they are sensitive to sounds. Although you might enjoy jamming to your music, understand that cats prefer peace and quiet. To keep your cat calm and collected over the course of your trip, keep the stereo low – or perhaps off entirely.
If you cat is overly vocal, try to figure out exactly why he or she is making so much noise. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. The cat may want something to eat or to get let out. Make sure you are paying attention in order to better understand your cat.
Cat Outside
If you want to let your cat outside, think again. It can be unsafe. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.
You should not train your cat to use a litter box. This is something that comes naturally and is not learned. You may have heard that rubbing your cat;s paws in litter will help them learn, but that may have a traumatizing effect.
Cats may make a small mess outside their litter box. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.
Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. It is tempting to place it out of sight, in order to avoid the image of it or smells that go along with dirty litter. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. If your litter box is on a cold surface, place a rug or mater underneath it.
Try moving your litter box somewhere else if the cat won’t use it. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. Great suggestions include your basement and laundry room.
After reading this article, you should have a working knowledge on how to care for your cat. They can cause damage to your yard or attack your pets. Therefore, give your cat as much love as possible. Cats, whether feral or indoor, deserve a loving home.