Lightning reflexes, soft purring and quick wits. These are just a few of the positive features of cat ownership. Don’t be fooled, cats may be cute but they do come with their fair share of problems. In this article, you’ll find plenty of great advice that will make you a more responsible cat owner. You should keep reading to make sure you are properly taking care of your cat.
Drape Cords
If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.
Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. Keep your cords covered if you feel like your cat is hellbent on chewing them. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.
Keeping your cats away from the counters can be hard. They love being above everything so that they can watch it all. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. Putting a cat tower in or near the kitchen can help keep the cats from laying on the counter.
It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. They need exercise and they get it through play. The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. If your cats are kept inside, set up a carpet lined scratching pad or post. There are many climbing structures that can be purchased or made for cats who enjoy heights.
Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Take a look at the food’s label. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
It’s often cheaper to buy medicine for your cat on the Internet instead of through your vet. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. Place the open carrier in an area that your cat visits often and outfit it with a favorite toy and blanket. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. This will make getting the cat inside easier later.
Feed your cat top quality food. 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. Steer clear of food made primarily of corn and fillers. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.
Think about extra care before you take home a cat with long hair. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.
Make sure your cat has routine check ups and vaccinations to ensure longevity and good health. Just like children, a kitten needs to have immunizations and wellness checks periodically to avoid disease and other health problems later in life. Please consider your cat as a family member, and take good care of them.
Some foods are not permissible to serve to your cat. Never allow your cat to nibble on garlic, onions or green tomatoes. Grapes, which seem harmless enough, are also a no-no. If your cat eats these, it may cause him to get really sick or even worse. Milk also often upsets your cat’s stomach.
You now are aware of some excellent cat-care tips. Use the tips above to help you be a good cat owner. A well-cared for cat is much happier where you can both can enjoy a better relationship. Experiment with these tips and see for yourself.