It isn’t always easy to make a cat happy. They are beautiful but mysterious creatures. With the proper advice, however, you can ensure that they are safe and cared for–even if they don’t realize that you’re the boss! The advice below will help you give your pet what it needs.
Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. It can really be a life saver for your cat.
If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Wrap it in an old towel and put it under your cat’s bed or blanket. If you want, you can change it for a newly warmed tile a few hours later.
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. A kitty tower can really save your furniture. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.
Cats are nocturnal animals. They are often active at nighttime. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. You won’t be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.
The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.
Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. They simply lack the maturity to comprehend the harm they can potentially do to kittens. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. This is something that comes naturally and is not learned. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.
Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. Stay way from cat foods made of corn or any other ingredients that aren’t based in protein. Cats need meat, not vegetables.
Feed canned food to your cat. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. It is easier for older cats to chew. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.
As soon as you adopt your cat, fit him with identification tags attached to a collar. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. The tag should have your name and address and also your vet’s. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.
If you want a cat with long hair, be prepared to put in extra time and care. The hair may be a gorgeous thing to behold, but it will require a lot of maintenance. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. They can also have more health issues due to hairballs.
Litter Box
Be mindful of where you place the litter box. You are surely tempted to put it where the smell will affect your surroundings the least. However, it is important to keep their litter box in an area they can easily get to. A finicky cat may not use the litter box if the environment is very inconvenient. A litter box located in the basement should be placed on a thick mat or rug.
Your cat should be kept healthy so that it can live a longer life. This can be done by making sure the cat is checked on by a vet and it has its shots. Immunizations can prevent your cat from attaining viruses or diseases. When you have a cat, it becomes a member of your family, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.
Let your cat give birth in a large space. The birth process can last up to four hours, which means you must exercise patience. If it’s been over 6 hours and you think there are more kittens inside, they need to see a vet immediately.
Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. Common foods that are poisonous to cats include: garlic, grapes, onions and tomatoes. Your cat can get very sick from eating these foods. Your cat should also steer clear of dairy products.
Indoor Cats
If your cat’s been declawed, you should never let them outside. Your cat cannot defend itself, rendering it helpless against other animals. Indoor cats are the only ones that should be de-clawed. Even in the case of indoor cats, you should only declaw the front claws. Allow your cat to retain their back claws which are less damaging to indoor surfaces.
The advice above will aid you in caring for your cat. Apply this advice to properly care for your cat. This will lead to the possibility that your cat will be friendly with you. Maybe!