There are some unexpected obstacles that you will face with a cat. Pets are great, but adopting one on the spur of the moment, without any preparation, is a bad idea. Even when you are prepared you might run into some issues. However, preparing yourself in advance is best, and it helps you be ready for your new pet.
Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. When the tile cools down, change it out for a fresh, warm one.
Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. These products can be fatal for your cat. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.
Cats can really scratch up your home. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. This solution might take time to take, but it will help in the end.
You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. It is dangerous in today’s society. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.
Be sure to brush or comb your cat’s fur on a regular basis. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. It also gets rid of shedding hair. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.
Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.
Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. This is very important for indoor cats. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. The tag should have your phone number on it. This precaution is especially important when your cat has an existing medical condition.
Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. They’re trying to tell you something is wrong. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.
Help your cat live a longer life by keeping them healthy and keeping them current with check-ups and vaccinations. Kids need shots, and so do cats. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.
Litter Box
If your cat will not use the litter box, try placing it at a different spot in your home. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. A couple of good places to put your cat box are your basement and laundry room.
If your cat’s been declawed, you should never let them outside. The cat won’t be able to fight back if other animals attack it and that could get it hurt or killed. An indoor cat can be declawed. It is still best to just remove the front claws. A cat’s back claws are important to his balance.
Do not give human medications to cats. If your cat is sick, take it to the veterinarian and use the medication recommended. Using human medicine for your cat is harmful and can even cause their death.
Cats have a great sense of smell, which allows them to be more perceptive. This can lead to issues when you introduce something new, such as a new toy, bed, or food dish. Don’t fret if your cat doesn’t use the items right away. As the smell of your home gets onto the items, they’ll warm up to them.
Be on the lookout for panting in cats. Panting is completely normal in dogs. Panting can indicate overheating or anxiousness; however, it can indicate health issues as well. Talk to a vet right away when panting persists.
Such training concepts are useful for all types of cats. You also need to get to know your cat better so you can adapt to its needs and habits. Always keep in mind that it’s good to enjoy your cat while using the above tips.