Cats are great, but they’re not cheap to take care of. After paying for shots, toys, cat food, litter and grooming, you may feel like reconsidering your choice to own a cat. The following article will teach you what you need to know about caring for a cat.
Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
Good grooming is important for cats. Cats should have regular combings. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. This will also reduce things like shedding and hairballs because it keeps them from having extra hair. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.
Avoid using dog products on cats. It is possible that a dog’s product could cause a serious adverse effect on a cat. Flea products can be especially harmful. Your cat can die when exposed to flea prevention items made for dogs. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. Be sure that the pet’s name and also your home number are on the tag.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.
Think twice before letting your cat outside. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Your cat could get parasites, or worse. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If your cat must be an outdoor cat, limit it to your own backyard.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. The added benefit is that you will prevent fights over the other animals food and water when one of them runs out.
Cats enjoy being in high places. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. If a cat tree is not in your future, providing a stable shelving unit with no small items on it will do very well. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. They’re doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.
Be sure to carrier train your cat. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. This will make getting the cat inside easier later.
Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. This is even true for indoor cats. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is especially true for cats with medical conditions.
One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. When a cat wags its tail, it’s for a completely different reason. A cat that is flicking its tail is either feeling threatened or predatory and is considering his next move. If your cat starts wagging its tail while you hold it, you might want to set it down to avoid getting scratched and swatted.
Put a breakaway collar on a cat with an engraved tag. Even if you own an indoor cat, it’s possible he or she might escape. If your cat were to escape, it’s important for them to get back home safely.
Certain foods may be fine for you to eat daily, but not for your cat. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes. Even a little taste of these foods can make your cat seriously sick. Milk is another food to stay away from.
Any pet can be a constant price tag, and cats are certainly no different. Cats require a lot of care, almost like an actual human child. Clearly, it really is possible to economize without sacrificing your cat’s care.