Would you save the life of an animal if you could? Millions of cats are out there needing a loving home. It only takes some knowledge and commitment to care for a cat. Read here about how to approach the process properly.
Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.
Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. There are special foods that can ease this issue. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.
Try figuring out why the cat is purring. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
Think hard before allowing your cat outside. Your cat might not be safe outside. Your cat could get parasites, or worse. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.
Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not be taught. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.
Litter Box
Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. If your punish your car, he or she is just going to become scared of you.
Feed canned food to your cat. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. They have more water, protein and fat too. For older cats, canned food chew easier. You should listen to what your vet recommends, though.
If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. You should not get a cat with long-hair unless you are ready to do a lot of cleaning. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.
Cat Sheds
Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? When a cat sheds a lot, brushing is very important. If your cat sheds a lot, you probably need to brush it more often. This can also stop their coats from becoming tangled up.
Taking your cat to the vet regularly to get proper vaccinations and check-ups will ensure that your pet enjoys a long and healthy life with you. Kids need shots, and so do cats. A cat is a member of the family, and therefore, is entitled to the same treatment as other loved ones.
If your feline just won’t use the litter box, try moving it to a different location. Just like humans, cats can be sensitive to where they eliminate, so choose a private location if possible. Areas away from high activity are a good choice, such as basements and laundry rooms.
Dogs let you know when they are excited and/or happy when they wag their tails. Cats move their tails for a very different reason. For cats, tail-wagging usually indicates some type of conflict or that he is deciding whether or not to attack or flee from a situation. If you are petting your cat and its tail begins to wag vigorously, stay away from the cat. It may be ready to attack you.
If you adopted a cat while you were unemployed and it is now time for you to return to work, your cat may get very lonely around the house. One possible solution to ending your cat’s loneliness is to adopt a second cat.
Cat’s are susceptible to many of the illnesses humans are. Since your furry friend is part of the family, you should be aware when something is wrong with his health. Therefore, if you notice any signs that your cat isn’t feeling well, immediately take them to to the vet. The vet can then rule out serious conditions.
Caring for a cat is an accomplishment to be proud of. You are sharing your home with an animal that really needs your love. Your cat and you will build a great bond relationship that will last a lifetime. Take care of your cat and your cat will take care of you.