If you had the chance to save an animal’s life, would you do it? There are plenty of cats who need a home. The first step is adopting, and the second is learning to care for it.
Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.
If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They should have regular check ups annually, and more appointments should be made if they need to get important shots. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.
Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Like people, cats like to socialize and need to feel like they’re an essential part of your life. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. If a cat tree is not in your future, providing a stable shelving unit with no small items on it will do very well. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.
If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. Though you want to handle problems on your own, you may require advice from others who own cats. There are many online forums that discuss cats. Most vets will also be happy to help you with some advice.
You don’t want to punish a cat if they do their business outside of their litter box. Many times this occurs because the box wasn’t well maintained. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. While punishment is a good strategy to train dogs, it is not adapted to cats. They need positive reinforcement. Place a loved blanket and favorite toy into a carrier and then leave the door open. Make sure it’s in an area that the cat frequents. Over time, the cat will feel comfortable and go inside the carrier. Let it happen naturally or with only mild coaxing. Do not get angry. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.
Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. If you throw it away, you may find your cat scratching on other surfaces.
Feed your cat top quality food. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Some foods contain a lot of fillers like corn products, don’t buy those. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.
Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. This is essential, even for indoor cats. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian’s information as well. This is also vital if your animal has health issues.
You should be proud about caring for your cat. Opening your home to someone in need is a selfless act, whether it is a person or an animal. The bonds between a cat and its owner can last a lifetime. Take great care of your cat and it will be rewarding.
