The care and companionship you provide for your cat can improve its quality of life. In some cases, it can even save a life! Millions of cats are out there needing a loving home. The first step is adopting, and the second is learning to care for it.
Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!
Electrical Cords
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. Hide those loose cords and keep them out of sight in no longer needed paper towel rolls. If you have electrical cords laying out that are not being used, put them away as cats can play with them and then move on to live electrical cords.
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.
Microchip your cat. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Other measures like tags and collars are better than nothing, but your cat may wriggle out of them or they may be torn off by outdoor hazards. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. Show them how to gently pick kitty up and what kinds of activities are appropriate. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.
Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.
Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Dogs and cats will respond differently to punishment. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat’s usual haunts. Eventually, the cat will go into the carrier naturally and feel comfortable. In the future, your cat will not get scared when you put him in the carrier.
Drinking Fountain
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats like their water to move. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
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 be leery of each other at first and fight. However, cats should eventually learn to co-habitate properly.
Every cat loves to have lots of play time. All animals of all ages need to play and a cat is no different. Older cats might not be quite as energetic as they used to be, but light play can still be fun for them. Take time and play with your cat regularly.
Let your cat give birth in a large space. Since there are so many kittens, the birthing process can take a few hours. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.
You should not let your de-clawed cat outdoors. Your cat may be seriously injured or killed because they are not prepared to defend themselves against another animal who may attack them. Indoor cats are the only ones that you should declaw. Even then, you should only have the front claws removed. Don’t take the back claws as cats need them to stay balanced.
It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. When your cat has health issues, they should be taken to their vet, who will give them any medication they need. You could unintentionally kill your beloved pet if you use medications designed for humans.
Having your own pet is proven to make your life happier. You’re making a conscious decision to love an animal and provide it with the care that it needs to survive. As a pet owner, you can bond with your new cat in a mutually beneficial relationship. Take good care of your cat and she will be your companion for years to come.
