Many cats think they rule the world, or at least your household. They can be very mysterious, even from the moment they enter your home. Fortunately, if you educate yourself, you can better care for them. Read the following tips to find out everything there is to know about a cat.
Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. You should wrap it with a towel and place it under the bed your cat uses. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. Flea products should not be used on cats in any circumstance. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.
Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. If you have rarely used electronics, put them up when you aren’t using them.
You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.
You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. If you have spent any significant amount of time around your cat, you will quickly find you can figure out what he wants when he cries. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.
Give your cat a good brushing regularly. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. Additionally, brushing helps to expedite hair shedding. Hairballs can be prevented this way, which often lead to choking. There will be little need for self grooming and hair build up.
Litter Box
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. Although you may want to have the litter box hidden in a place where you won’t smell it, your cat’s needs should be before your wants. However, the litter box must be kept in a location that is easily accessible for your pet. A finicky cat may not use the litter box if the environment is very inconvenient. If the litter box is kept on a cement floor, then place a rug or mat underneath it.
Let your cat give birth in a large space. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If your cat has still not given birth to all her kittens after six hours, get her to a vet right away.
Some foods that you enjoy as a human aren’t any good for your cat. Garlic and onions are popular examples. Ingesting these foods can end up making your cat really sick or worse. Milk can also end up giving your cat an upset stomach.
Your cat will thank you if you avoid phenol in your cleaning products. Many household cleaners, like Pine-Sol and Lysol, contain this chemical. The smell is something that cats don’t like, and it also can lead to liver damage if it is used around your cats for a long period of time.
If you own a declawed cat, do not let it outdoors. Your cat cannot defend itself, rendering it helpless against other animals. Only indoor cats should be declawed. It is still best to just remove the front claws. The back claws are left because these won’t scratch your furniture or floors.
Vets are important, but the bills can be rough! You could save a lot of money if your order your cat’s medicine from an online retailer. There are several companies that are able to deliver your cat’s medication right to your front door. This is very convenient for medications, such as monthly flea treatments or heart worm medications.
These tips can help you ensure your cat is healthy. Use the advice to ensure your cat’s needs are met. Then, he MIGHT start being nice to you. Maybe!