There was a famed poet once that enjoyed cats. T.S. Eliot stated cats make a home and there is evidence that this opinion is well-deserved. Happy, healthy cats can make life complete. Unfortunately, cats can be hard to live with sometimes. These tips will help you live comfortably with your cat.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. It might take a little while, but eventually it should stop the problem.
Avoid letting your cat get bored. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Cats that are bored may develop obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, or other issues that can harm their health. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. Indoor cats will be happier if you provide them with climbing resources and practical things such as scratching posts.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.
You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old. They simply lack the maturity to comprehend the harm they can potentially do to kittens. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.
Cats need to have play in their life. Play is important for all mammals, even people, regardless of their age. Even older cats love a little play, just not as rough. Playing with your cat will help you to form happy and cherished memories to look back on.
Is there cat hair everywhere? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. The more a cat sheds, the moor they should be properly brushed. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.
Litter Box
If you have a cat who won’t use the litter box, try moving it someplace else. The best place for a litter box is in a secure, quiet area. Cats feel vulnerable when they’re using it, so they want it to be in a place where they feel safe. For example, your basement, laundry room or other room away from household activity should suffice.
Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. These include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. Your cat can get very sick from eating these foods. Even a commonly fed food, milk, can make your kitty ill.
It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. If health problems arise, take your cat to a vet. Giving your pet medication that was meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and it may even cause death.
Hairballs can definitely be a problem. Brushing your cats fur should be your first step, but if that doesn’t help, here are a few additional tips. One mixed teaspoon of pumpkin mixed into your cat’s food should help. You can mix the pumpkin with a bit of water from a can of tuna. Find a cat food with some extra fibers or another anti-hairball ingredient to get rid of this problem.
Try and incorporate dry food into your cats diet. Kittens need some wet food because they have very small teeth. When they grow, they need to eat dry food to have stronger teeth. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.
Keep your cat inside if you don’t want him getting fleas, rabies or anything else. While issues can affect your cat while inside as well, you run the risk of more when you offer outside as an option.
Treat your cat with flea medication. Monthly medication drops are very good at preventing flea and tick problems. Using these chemicals protects your pet from parasitic organisms, many of which are capable of causing serious illness. Be sure to use something made just for cats to keep your pet safe.
Owning a cat is not something that can be simple, but it is rewarding. No matter how active or lazy your cat may be, the advice you have read will help the two of you get along better. You’ll have your cat purring in no time.