Cats are amazing friends and companions. However, people who are unfamiliar with cats need to educate themselves on proper ways to raise a cat. If you have never owned a cat before, read these tips for important information.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.
Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Whenever you aren’t using any thin, electronic cords, you should store them away.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. These days, pretty much all shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read these chips, and because they’re beneath your pet’s skin, they won’t ever get lost.
Cats can have nocturnal tendencies. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
Do you own a dog and a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.
Animal Protein
Purchase good quality food for your cat. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying. Ensure that an animal protein source, including fish, chicken, or beef, is the main ingredient. Don’t feed your cat food that includes corn or other fillers. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.
Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? You have to brush your cat to avoid their shedding. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This also prevents matting and tangling.
Litter Box
If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. There are a number of health issues that can lead a well-trained cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. These problems are generally related to the kidneys and/or bladder. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.
Confine a sanitary area of the house for your cat to give birth. The process generally takes about three hours, so you must exercise patience. If, after six hours, you think there are still kittens stuck inside your pet, a trip to the vet is in order.
A cat can make a great pet. The can offer comfort and stress relief. However, caring for them properly is vital to their long term life and happiness. Be sure to use the advice above so that you and your cat can coexist for years and years.
