Fun, furry, and finicky: three words that perfectly describe cats. You’ll need to understand how to feed and groom your cats, and the tips contained in this article will help you get a handle on that.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.
Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them. One way to combat this behavior is to proved your cat with an elevated place it is okay to climb on. Having a cat tower near your kitchen will keep them off your counters.
Location is key when placing a litter box. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Make sure that you let your kids know which areas of the house the cat will be allowed in. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. This will ensure nothing bad happens.
Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. To your cat the post is just right. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.
Purchase high quality food for your cat. Pay attention to the ingredient list on any food you feed them. Protein needs to be one of the very first items on the list, while fillers like corn and other grains should be avoided. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Cats are naturally carnivorous. If you want to keep them healthy and happy, you need to feed them plenty of animal protein.
Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. Ask your vet, though canned food is often better for your cat.
Make sure play time is an important part of your cat’s life. Many animals like to play, and that includes humans and cats. An older cat may not be as energetic as when it was younger, but still enjoys light play. Spend some time enjoying your cat.
Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. The hair may be a gorgeous thing to behold, but it will require a lot of maintenance. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. Hairballs are something that you will often deal with if you own a fluffy cat.
Litter Box
Think about where you want to put the litter box. You may want to hide it away. It is equally important that the litter box is readily accessible to your cat, though. Cats tend to be finicky, so you’ll want to provide a location that isn’t off-putting to your cat. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a rug or mat under it.
Being a pet owner means you have to be responsible. You should use the tips you just read to become a better cat owner and make sure your cat is happy. Your research is going to pay off in the long run.