Cats are amazing creatures, and they can be wonderful pets. If you have a cat, you need to learn more about the proper way to care for your beloved pet to make sure it has a long and healthy life. Read on to find out more.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. You’re literally saving their life.
Good grooming is important for cats. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If yu do this quite often, it will help them stay clean. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.
A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.
Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.
Cats will be up during the night more often than not. They are often active at nighttime. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.
Litter Box
Location is key when placing a litter box. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.
Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. This may make a big mess that you need to clean up. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.
Do you have dogs and cats? Understand that dogs will usually eat cat’s food if they can. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. Kids of this age aren’t old enough to know how dangerous a cat can be. When your children age, you will realize when they’re able to deal with a pet.
Feeding them lots of different foods can lower their chances of becoming finicky eaters. If you feed them the same cat food every day, they may not accept anything else. This makes it difficult to find food they’ll eat when a store runs out of a certain brand, or you are traveling.
Provide your cat with a drinking fountain. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Streams of water will attract your cat. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.
Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. The more your cat sheds, the more often you want to give them a good brushing. This will also help their coat from getting tangled or matted.
If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Consult with your veterinarian when your cat refuses to use its litter box.
A declawed cat should not be outdoors. An outdoor cat who has been declawed cannot defend itself as well without claws; therefore, you are putting your cat in extreme danger. Declaw your cat if you plan on always having it inside. With indoor cats, just remove the front claws. You do not have to touch claws on the back, as these claws do not damage the floor.
Never make the choice of giving your cat human medication. A visit to the veterinarian will ensure that your pet receives the proper medication. Giving the cat medication that wasn’t meant for them can really hurt them or even kill them.
Cats have a surprisingly acute sense of smell, making it easy for them to detect change in their environment. This can lead to issues when you introduce something new, such as a new toy, bed, or food dish. Don’t fret if you can’t get kitty to use a new item right away. Once the cat gets used to the smell of the new item, quickly he or she will get accustomed to it.
As was mentioned in the opening paragraph of this article, cats make great pets. You should always keep educating yourself about the different things you can do to care for your cat. Internalize the tips you have read here to be the best cat owner possible. Your cat will be grateful!