Cats are amazing pets, but they can be a finicky lot! Whether it’s grooming your cat, taking it in for check-ups at the vet, or arranging a diet that meets its nutritional needs, you’ll be putting plenty of effort into caring for your feline friend. Read on to pick up some handy tips you can use to make yourself a more responsible cat owner.
Keep your cat properly groomed. They need to be brushed every day. Do this often in order to aid in keeping your cat’s outer coat clean and healthy. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.
Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
Cats are often nocturnal creatures. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. If your kittens are keeping you awake into the middle of the night, close the door to your bedroom. This will keep them from attacking your toes.
Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Cats, just like people, want to feel like a loved part of a family. Socialization is important to them. Cats want to feel loved and needed.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.
Try not to let your cat go outside. This can compromise your cat’s safety. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. Other animals and vehicles could also injure your cat. Let your cat go out in your backyard and play on your lawn.
Cat Owners
Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.
Be sure to carrier train your cat. While punishment is a good strategy to train dogs, it is not adapted to cats. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. The cat will enter it on its own. This makes transporting much easier.
You cat should get cat food that is of a good quality. Check out the ingredients, and make sure it includes protein, such as meat, as the first item in the list. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Since cats are carnivorous, they require animal protein to stay in the best health.
Feeding your cat the proper canned food is ideal. Dry foods are cheaper but canned foods are richer in vitamins and nutrients. That’s because this type of food provides your cat with more protein, good fat and water. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. Your vet can give you more information specific to your cat, though canned food is usually better.
Let your cat take its time when you add a new cat to your home. In the early days, you may see a lot of posturing from the cats including hissing and swatting at each other. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
Prior to adopting any long-haired cat, make sure you understand the extra work involved. Even though that nice coat of beautiful silky fur looks great, it can leave a mess on your floors, furniture and clothing. You should not get a cat with long-hair unless you are ready to do a lot of cleaning. Not to mention cats that have long hair are more prone to getting issues with hairballs.
Use a cat collar that gives name, address, and phone number info. Even if your cat lives in the house, he could always get out. If this occurs, make sure they can return home.
Don’t use chemicals near your cat that have phenol. Lysol, for example, has many harmful agents that can harm your cat. The smell offends them and being exposed to it for several hours can cause liver problems.
Do not let a declawed cat outside. Your cat cannot defend itself, rendering it helpless against other animals. Indoor cats are the only type of cat that needs to be declawed. It is still best to just remove the front claws. Don’t take the back claws as cats need them to stay balanced.
Keep an eye out for panting. Panting is completely normal in dogs. If your cat is panting it may be overheated or having anxiety. It may also be something that is a lot more serious than those things. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.
Being a pet owner means you have to be responsible. Use these tips to become a better cat owner and to really enjoy it. The best benefit is a mutually satisfactory experience for you and the cat.
