Although cat ownership is often delightful, it also comes with its share of challenges! Some need special diets, and that is only the beginning. The information below will help you raise a happy and healthy feline friend.
Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops. This could seriously injure or even kill them. Hide the cords for safety sake.
Cats will try to get into many different crevices. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.
If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.
You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the cardboard rolls that are used for paper towels. Any electronic item not in use should be stored away where the cat can’t get to it.
Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.
It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.
Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Read the ingredient list on the label. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.
If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. If your cat seems upset or agitated, turn down the music and speak calmly to him.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.
Though caring for a cat can seem like no big deal, there are actually a lot of things to consider, including veterinarian visits and giving them extra amounts of attention. Use these tips to become a better cat owner and to really enjoy it. The effort expended will be well worth it, and will be rewarded in many ways.
