Cats are absolutely wonderful. Sometimes it’s a good idea to provide some extra stimulation with a fun toy, unique game or interesting activity. You don’t need to spend any money to enjoy some playtime with your cat. Use this advice to enjoy your life with your cat.
Your cat needs to be groomed properly. They need to be brushed every day. Doing this frequently can help them keep their coat clean. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. Change every few hours if you like.
If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. This particularly applies to flea products. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. In fact, it is a good idea to separate your cat and dog for a few hours after your dog has taken flea medication.
If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This habit means you will end up with cat food on the floor to clean up. Simply place a cloth placemat that will grab at the food under their plate and then shaken out over the trash. You can put a vinyl one underneath that can be picked up wiped down easily if you prefer.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This can prevent squabbles over water when their food is gone.
You should not train your cat to use a litter box. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not be taught. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.
Never punish a cat for a mess outside of its box. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.
Identification Tags
Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. The identification tags should contain your home phone number and the number for your veterinarian. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.
Are you now better informed as to how you can enjoy time with your cat? Not all cats will like every approach, but most do. This can help them become happier and live longer.