Cats provide endless hours of companionship and entertainment. With great animals comes great responsibility, however, and you are obligated to take care of your pet. There are many responsibilities that every cat owner needs to be aware of. This article list some tips and responsibilities that a good cat owner should know. Keep reading to learn all you can.
Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.
A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. They can scratch this instead. It may take some time, but will be worth the effort and expense.
You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
Create a tablecloth that your cats can use. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. This can lead to a big clean-up. To make clean up a breeze, use a place mat underneath the bowl or a piece of fabric. You’ll be able to pick it up easily and shake the excess food into the trash.
You don’t want to punish a cat if they do their business outside of their litter box. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. Your cat will become afraid of you if you punish it or scold it too often.
Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. 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.
Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. This will make it easier for your older cats to digest. Speak with your vet to determine the proper course of action to take.
If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. Certain antibiotics prescribed by your vet can clear up the problem.
Aired Cat
There is a lot of responsibility involved with a long-haired cat. That hair will truly get everywhere! Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.
Be mindful of where you place the litter box. Many cat owners feel inclined to hide the litter box. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. Put a rug under it for cleanliness, too.
If you are having problems getting the cat to use the litter box, move it. Cats feel vulnerable when relieving themselves, so make sure the litter box is in a secluded spot. Some great examples of such locations are basements, laundry rooms or any other less frequently used room in your home.
Cats have shockingly sharp noses, which means they can spot changes in their home with ease. Sometimes this causes problems if you introduce a new food dish, bed, or scratching post. You should give your cat time to adjust to new items in his world. As the item takes assimilates the smell of his home, it will become acceptable to your cat.
Keep an eye out for holes in your house you’d prefer your cat stay away from. Cats often fit through small openings. This is particularly true for kittens. Keep this in mind when adopting a new cat. Cover all large holes to prevent a hazard for your cat.
Don’t offer table scraps to your cat as a treat. Human food is just that, meant for humans. It contains ingredients that aren’t meant for cats. To give a cat a real treat, offer a small amount of egg, beef or chicken you have cooked. But, simply by adhering to the weight and age recommendations on cat food packaging, you will ensure a proper diet.
As you’ve read, owning a cat can be a great benefit. But to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy, you must give it the care it needs. Be sure and use the information provided if you are considering making a cat a part of your life.