The poet T.S. T.S. Eliot once called cats a crucial element to a home, and this statement rings true today. A well behaved and healthy cat can enhance any household. Sadly, cats can be difficult to live with sometimes. The following advice will help you get along better with your cat.
Drape Cords
Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. Do not let your cat play with these. If the cords are in loops and the cat jumps into them or plays with them, they could possibly get them caught around their neck. This could cause injury or death. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.
You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. This will keep your cat’s coat clean. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.
A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat’s bedding. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.
Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away. If that doesn’t work, cover those cords up however you can. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.
Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.
Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Cats who get bored can actually become depressed or display other undesirable behaviors. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.
Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. You should show them everything from how to properly carry the cat to the best ways to play with it. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.
While cats can be finicky and demanding, loving and taking care of a cat can be very rewarding. If you have an active cat, or one more on the laid back side, the tips in this article can help you get along better with your pet. If you have a happy cat, you will probably be happy too!
