Cats are constant companions wherever humans choose to live, whether they’re kept as pets or left to fend for themselves in the streets. These abandoned cats make up about half of the entire population of domestic cats, and are often a nuisance in urban locations. Feral cats are pests that can drive customers away from businesses, costing them a great deal of money.
If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!
Talk to people you know about any cat problems you’re having. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.
Loose Hair
Brush your cat’s coat often. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. Brushing will also help to remove loose hair. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet’s stomach and they later cough it up.
You should never punish your cat for not using the litter box. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. If you punish the cat, it may shy away from you at future times.
Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.
Get your cat a drinking fountain. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Cats respond well to this stream of water. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. Drinking fountains are more environmentally-friendly and they let your cat drink naturally.
Dogs will often wag their tails to show their happiness or excitement. A cat may look like it is wagging its tail, but it is completely different than what a dog does. In cats, wagging of the tail tends to indicate conflict or anxiety. If you are petting your cat and its tail begins to wag vigorously, stay away from the cat. It may be ready to attack you.
All cats have a strong sense of smell; therefore, they easily smell changes in your home. This may cause some problems when introducing new beds, scratching posts, or food dishes. Don’t be upset if the cat does not take to these items immediately. Once your cat becomes accustomed to this smell, he or she will begin to like it.
Brushing your cat more frequently is the most common way to combat hairballs. If it doesn’t work, though, you have other options. Use pumpkin in your cat’s food to help with digestion. You might even want to try to add a teaspoon of tuna water mixed together with the pumpkin to see if that helps. Another solution may be to use a cat food that has anti-hairball properties added.
Hopefully, this article has prepared you to treat cats a bit better and deal with them in an appropriate manner. Your cat will thank you for taking the time to read this article. It takes a certain level of basic preparation and know-how to handle a cat properly. Who knows, you might even find a feral cat that you like!