If you were able to save a cat’s life, would you? There are millions of cats out there who are in need of a good home. The only thing you need to do is bring one home and take good care of it, something the tips below will help you do.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Pin the cords of your drapes up where your cat can’t get to them.
To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. When the tile cools down, change it out for a fresh, warm one.
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.
Become Bored
Don’t allow your cat become bored. Cats require physical activity. Too frequently this need is overlooked by owners. Cats who become bored often have issues that can affect them in a big way. Some of these issues are obesity due to eating out of boredom, OCD issues, fighting with other pets and depression. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.
Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. Put it in a ventilated area to reduce odors. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your kids know where the cat can go. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.
If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. Many times this occurs because the box wasn’t well maintained. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. In the future, your cat will not get scared when you put him in the carrier.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Cats seem to like a water stream better. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. Fountains keep the water cool and clean.
Identification Tags
Make sure your cat is always wearing a collar with proper identification tags. Even if yours is an indoor cat, this is still an important safety measure. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. The identification tags should contain your home phone number and the number for your veterinarian. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.
If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat. Therefore, they may hide, hiss, or even fight one another. However, cats should eventually learn to co-habitate properly.
Being a good cat owner is something to take pride in. You are giving a home to an innocent animal. The bonds between a cat and its owner can last a lifetime. Properly caring for your cat will ensure that this loving bond remains intact.