Cats are marvelous creatures. Eliot once described cats as a creature on which a household depends, and there’s definitely some truth in his words. Make sure that your cat is healthy so that it can stay energetic. Having said that, living with a cat is not necessarily easy. Keep reading for some valuable tips on cat care.
Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently. Such practices help keep cats’ coats clean. It can cut down on shedding and spitting up hairballs, too. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.
Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.
Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. Microchips are minuscule, but can hold all the essential information about your cat and its hope. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.
Litter Box
Location is key when placing a litter box. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!
Reconsider having an outdoor cat. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.
Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. They need positive reinforcement. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.
Don’t get rid of an old scratching post. Cats prefer used scratching posts. When you bring in a new post, the cat may ignore it.
Is cat hair getting into everything you own? Cats shed a lot, so it is important to brush them often. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This keeps the coat from matting, too.
You need to carefully consider where you put the litter box for your cat. Do not hide the box simply to reduce the smell. It is equally important that the litter box is readily accessible to your cat, though. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.
When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. Cats, however, move their tails or sway it side to side for totally different reasons. Tail wagging in a cat usually indicates a mental conflict that your cat is mulling over, such as deciding whether to flee or attack. If you notice you cat begin to wag his tail when you are holding him, put him down to be sure you are not scratched or swatted.
You may often eat things that are quite bad for cats. Examples include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. These foods are healthy for humans, but they can make cats very sick. In addition, milk can also upset your cat’s stomach.
While owning a cat isn’t always easy, the reward is great. From a cat that knocks dishes off shelves or one who likes to pee on the couch, there are solutions for all of your problems. You’ll hear less meowing and more purring then.