It is hard to describe how wonderful it is to have a cat. However, as with any pet there is a lot of care involved when looking after a cat. You must be aware of the responsibilities of being a cat owner. The article presented here has a lot of useful (and even vital information) for anyone who has or plans to get a cat. Read on and learn.
Drape Cords
Keep your drape cords away from your cats. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.
If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. Adopting from a pet shelter benefits the cat population.
Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. This could help save your cat if it gets caught in a tight spot.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If that doesn’t work, cover those cords up however you can. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
Understand that cats enjoy being elevated. For a happy cat, make sure you establish a safe environment for them to scan their surroundings. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. Putting a soft cat bed on the shelf can help to add a little comfort.
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.
Make sure your cat is always wearing a collar with proper identification tags. This will be important even if you have an indoor cat. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. Tags that have your vet’s name and phone number are good things to put on the collar. This is also vital if your animal has health issues.
Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.
Litter Box
Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won’t smell it. However, it is important to keep their litter box in an area they can easily get to. Cats tend to be finicky, so you’ll want to provide a location that isn’t off-putting to your cat. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.
When a dog wags its tail, the reason is because it is happy for some reason. Cats wag their tails for very different reasons than dogs though. A cat that is flicking its tail is either feeling threatened or predatory and is considering his next move. If while being held by you your cat’s tail begins to wag, you may want to put him down so that you are not scratched or hit.
Some foods that you like to consume daily might not be good for your cat to eat. These foods include grapes, onions green tomatoes and garlic. If your cat eats these things, they could become very sick. Even though everyone knows that cats love milk, this can actually cause a cat to have an upset stomach.
Cat Declawed
Don’t have an outdoor cat declawed. Cats without claws cannot stand up for themselves if they encounter another animal. The result could be injuries or death. An indoor cat can be declawed. If you do choose to have your cat declawed, only the front claws should be removed. Allow your cat to retain their back claws which are less damaging to indoor surfaces.
As you read, having a pet cat can be very beneficial. You definitely need to take care of the feline so that it lives a great and healthy life. Apply what you’ve learned here, if you’re thinking of adding a cat to your life.
