Cats need something to keep them occupied while they aren’t napping. If left alone, cats can scratch up all your furniture. In order to combat this, you need to be knowledgeable on cats’ behavior. Learn from this article about how to properly care for your feline friend.
Groom your cat. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis. If yu do this quite often, it will help them stay clean. It can cut down on shedding and spitting up hairballs, too. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
Small places are spots cats love to get into. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. That’ll keep kitty safe.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Dog flea prevention products will kill your cat. Keep them separated by at least one door for a few hours after treatment.
Scratching Post
A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. Redirect your cat to the scratching post when they start to go after your furniture. Catnip can be put in the posts or on the tower to help train the cat to use it. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.
It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. If your cat is high, he can see everything that is going on. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. A carefully placed cat tower in the kitchen will keep cats away from the counter.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. Collars or tags can identify your cat, but cats can wiggle out of those, and they are also at risk of getting hung up on something. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. Cats want to feel loved and needed.
Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. Special food can help. Some foods contain extra oils and nutrients, specifically designed to prevent or diminish hairball concerns.
Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. Make sure your cat has a safe place to play. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.
Brush your cat’s fur regularly. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. This helps keep those hairballs from building up in your cat’s stomach.
Acclimate your cat to its carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Cats are better trained by using patient encouragement. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. A fountain will allow your cat to have the happiness of drinking from running water.
Felines can be bundles of energy, and when you need to focus it, choose a favorite toy. Prevent damage to your furniture and belongings. The above advice offers many accessible ways that you can better care for your cat.