A cat is a very complex creature. When you first get them, they can seem very mysterious. Fortunately, if you educate yourself, you can better care for them. Read on for ideas and insights for caring for your feline friend.
If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do. Put it inside a cloth and place underneath your feline’s blanket or bed. If necessary, change this out every few hours.
If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. Cats are drawn to wires and cords, so you should keep them out of sight and out of mind if they are not being used.
Scratching Post
A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Redirect your cat to the scratching post when they start to go after your furniture. Catnip can be put in the posts or on the tower to help train the cat to use it. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.
It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Cat medications can be bought affordable online. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. However, if you buy meds for your cat on a regular basis, you can save huge amounts by getting medication via the Internet.
When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better. To keep you cat from feeling nervous, keep the volume at a lower level. A trip is already stressful for a pet.
There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.
Litter Box
If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. If your cat refuses to use its litter box, there may be an underlying health concern. These conditions include kidney and bladder problems. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.
If you’re dealing with a cat that won’t use the litter box, you should place it somewhere 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.
One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats, however, move their tails or sway it side to side for totally different reasons. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. If this happens while your cat is in your arms, put him down as soon as possible.
Though cats are not easy to please, this advice can be of assistance. Use them to make sure your cat’s health and needs are handled, so that you can be sure that all his needs are being met. Your cat will be in better health and much happier if you are a good pet owner. Never say never!