Cats are lovely, beautiful creatures. However, you should keep in mind that being a cat owner takes a lot of effort. If you own a cat, there are a number of things you should know about. This article is packed with tips and ideas that make it easier for you to fulfill your responsibilities to your pet. Become aware of what the commitment entails, then approach it wisely.
If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.
Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. Use some paper towel rolls to tuck loose cords. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.
Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. You and your cat will greatly appreciate this.
Give your cat plenty of love and affection. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.
Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats. Demonstrate how the cat should be petted and handled and encourage your children to be very gentle. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Make sure the children know where the cat is and is not allowed to roam. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.
Brush your cat daily. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin’s blood flow. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.
Litter Box
Never reprimand your cat for missing the litter box. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. Punishments given to the cat will just make him or her less willing to be around its owner going forward.
Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. They respond better to encouragement. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. This will make getting the cat inside easier later.
Feeding them lots of different foods can lower their chances of becoming finicky eaters. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.
Don’t get rid of an old scratching post. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
Invest in a cat friendly fountain. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.
Getting a second cat is usually beneficial to both, but you have to give the two cats a few weeks to get acclimated to each other. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
Keep your cat’s vaccinations and checkups up to date with the vet. Kittens need proper medical care just like young children, and its best to bring them in every so often for health checks to ensure nothing terrible is going on. Your cat is part of your family, and you should treat him as you would any other well-loved member of your household.
The potential benefits of cat ownership are, it’s worth stating again, numerous and wide-reaching. In order to provide a home that a cat will find comfortable, stable, and healthy, you need to be prepared to take responsible steps. Take the advice below into account if you’re thinking about becoming a cat owner.
