There isn’t any animal that compares to a cat and they are great pets for several reasons. They can help keep your home free of rodents and they can also be very amusing to watch. Cats do a lot for the home and many people overlook that.
Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings. You may be able to battle this issue by giving your cat a high place to chill. A carefully placed cat tower in the kitchen will keep cats away from the counter.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Collars or tags can identify your cat, but cats can wiggle out of those, and they are also at risk of getting hung up on something. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Nearly all veterinarians and shelters now have scanners capable of reading the information on these chips, and since they are under the skin, there is no chance of the chip getting lost.
Cats enjoy high places. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.
Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.
Scratching Post
You should not get rid of your cat’s old scratching post. Cats love them! By throwing away an old scratching post and replacing it with a newer one, your cat will likely look for older items to scratch, such as your furniture.
It is important that your cat always where a collar that identifies them. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. This is very critical if your feline has specific medical issues.
Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. They might hide from each other or hit each other. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.
Litter Box
If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. Using the bathroom outside of the litter box is linked to a number of cat health issues. Bladder troubles, kidney ailments, or infections can all cause this sort of behavior. If your cat stops going in the litter box, a call to the vet is in order.
If you have chemicals that contain phenol, make sure that you do not use these around your cat. Phenol is found in common products such as Pine-Sol, Lysol, and various other cleaners. 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.
Be aware of any panting. For dogs, panting is typical behavior. While panting can be a sign that your cat is overheated or anxious, it can also be a sign of something much more serious. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.
Feed dry food to your cat. As kittens, cats require wet food because of their tiny teeth. As kittens get their adult teeth, the hard food helps their keep teeth strong. If your cat happens to be a picky eater, mix up the dry food with wet food.
Cats and dogs provide two different benefits to a home. A cat will seek out small rodents for you and love to be part of the family. Cats are quite good at all they do and do not mind sharing their life with you. With so much going for them, the cat’s popularity is easy to see.