Is a cat a part of your family? If this happens to be you, then you already recognize how great they are. Cats are animals that require a great deal of affection and attention. Fortunately, it is quite possible to provide well for its needs. Continue reading to learn more about how to care for your cat.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.
Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.
Dog Products
Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. Flea products are a prime example. These products can be fatal for your cat. Keep them separated by at least one door for a few hours after treatment.
Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you’re not using them.
Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. This means food spillage that you will have to clean later. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.
Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.
Cats generally will meow for a reason. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. The cat may want something to eat or to get let out. When you pay attention to the cat’s actions and cues, then may grow to understand the cat all the more.
Do you have dogs and cats? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. Try locating your cat’s food in an area where the dog cannot go. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. For a happy cat, make sure you establish a safe environment for them to scan their surroundings. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. Additionally, you can place a bed or blanket in this space.
If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. Although you might want to take care of things on your own, advice from other people with cats can be a big help. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.
Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. Cats love them! There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. This will be important even if you have an indoor cat. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This is also vital if your animal has health issues.
You love your cat, and you want to make sure you’re giving it the best care you can. This article gives you the techniques necessary to do so. These ideas will keep your cat as healthy as possible. When you show your cat you love it, it will return the love.