There isn’t any animal that compares to a cat and they are great pets for several reasons. Not only will they keep you entertained, they also can hunt for pests like rodents that may be terrorizing your home. You might be surprised at how many ways a cat can improve your life.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.
Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.
Litter Box
The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.
Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn’t going to enjoy the vet bill. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Be sure to read the ingredient label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.
Your cat should like their carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react 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. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.
If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. In the early days, you may see a lot of posturing from the cats including hissing and swatting at each other. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.
Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. If your cat is shedding too often, you should brush it more regularly. This also prevents matting and tangling.
Check your cat if they suddenly stop using their litter-box. There are a number of health issues that can lead a well-trained cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. Some common issues are bladder and kidney problems. If your cat stops going in the litter box, a call to the vet is in order.
If you have a cat who won’t use the litter box, try moving it someplace else. Cats feel vulnerable when relieving themselves, so make sure the litter box is in a secluded spot. Basement areas and laundry rooms make perfect areas, as they have little traffic.
Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. Common foods that are poisonous to cats include: garlic, grapes, onions and tomatoes. If your cat eats these, it may cause him to get really sick or even worse. Even though everyone knows that cats love milk, this can actually cause a cat to have an upset stomach.
Avoid using phenol-containing chemicals if you have cats. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. The smell of the chemical isn’t pleasant for your cat and prolonged exposure may cause liver problems.
Make dry food the foundation of your cat’s diet. Kittens have small teeth so they need soft food. Once they grow up though, dry, harder food will strengthen their teeth and keep them clean. For those cats who are picky eaters, a mixture of both dry and wet food usually does the trick.
Cats can often get the same illnesses as you can. Your cat is a member of the family, so you know better than anyone when your cat isn’t feeling well. If so, be sure and make an appointment with your vet. It can be dangerous to avoid taking your cat to the vet when it is sick because there may be serious conditions that need checking. A vet can check for these.
Keep an eye out for places you want the cat to stay away from. Cats can fit into very small spaces. Kittens are especially vulnerable. Look into this before getting a new cat. Cover or repair large holes you see.
It’s best to keep your pet cat indoors. Cats left outside have significantly lower lifespans, and are susceptible to many diseases and parasites. Some diseases may be passed to human family members. Indoor cats love to have a sunny place to lounge and be comfortable.
While a big dog might look like a better hunter than a small cat, it won’t track pests the way a cat will. Cats can provide your home with a peaceful serenity, which dogs rarely do. With these benefits, you can have a truly great companion.