Cats have been with human companions for centuries. They’ve been subjects in many musicals, movies, and poems. In fact, cats usually believe that they rule the world. In the article below, you’ll discover great tips to help you control your cat and ensure it lives a good life.
If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!
Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Simply heat a single foot cotta tile at 200 degrees between 15 and 20 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. It does not matter if you an indoor cat; if she gets out when in heat, you can end up with many kittens. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. Flea products are a prime example. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. Some required information on the tag would be the cat’s name and your personal phone number.
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. Cats who love to chew need to be kept away from cords. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. Any electronic item not in use should be stored away where the cat can’t get to it.
Microchip your cat. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident. 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. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. This can prevent squabbles over water when their food is gone.
Brush your cat on a regular basis. This will help stimulate blood flow. It is also a good way to reduce shedding. Hairballs can be prevented this way, which often lead to choking. There will be little need for self grooming and hair build up.
Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Positive reinforcement is a better training tool for cats. Put a nice blanket inside the carrier then leave it where the cat is most often. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.
If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. If they eat the same food all the time without changing it, that may be the only one they’ll eat later on.
If you wish to add another cat to your home, give it a couple weeks for your old cat and your new cat to grow accustomed to each other. They will probably hide from each other, hiss or even attack each other. However, if you allow them to slowly get used to each other, they will eventually become friends.
Your cat may act like it’s the owner of your house, and it could even think it’s the ruler of the universe. However, if you utilize the advice above, you can show your cat who’s really in charge. Cats are great animals to have around; learn more about them so that you can enjoy them even more.