If you use proper care techniques, cats can be truly delightful pets. A little self-education can transform you into the kind of responsible cat owner that keeps their feline friends happy and affectionate over the course of a long and healthy life. Read these tips to be the best cat owner you can be.
Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. They need to be brushed every day. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. If you groom your cat with care, both your pet and your home will look their best.
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.
To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. Change it every couple of hours if desired.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Cats’ bones are more fragile than those of dogs, so they need gentler treatment.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. This makes it a good idea to have a cat feeding place high up enough that your dog can’t get to it. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.
Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. Up until your child is five, children shouldn’t be alone with your pet. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Litter Box
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.
Consider buying your cat a special drinking fountain. Your cat will prefer drinking from running water since this is a natural behavior. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. Cats will even drink from the tap if they can! Drinking fountains are more environmentally-friendly and they let your cat drink naturally.
Every cat loves to have lots of play time. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Therefore, be sure you set some time for playing with your cat.
Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? You have to brush your cat to avoid their shedding. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This will help to prevent tangling and matting.
If a cat is about to give birth, provide them an area that’s spacious. It will take about three to four hours for all of the kittens to come out, so be patient. If six hours have gone by and you think there are still more kitten inside the cat, take her to a vet immediately.
Certain foods may be fine for you to eat daily, but not for your cat. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic and green tomatoes. When a cat eats these items, they can get very sick. Milk is also not especially good for your cat’s stomach.
A cat can be a great pet, but you should know how to properly care for it. The best way to learn to be a great cat owner is to read and use the information provided here. With the proper care, your cat can enjoy a great life.