Cats don’t have competition in the great animal kingdom and are great indoor pets for many reasons. Cats are energetic and a constant source of information. They’re also excellent defenders against household pests, like mice. Having a cat can help you make sure rodents don’t enter your home.
Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops. This could cause injury or death. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.
Cat Needs
Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.
If your cat is excessively meowing, try to figure out why. 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 might need food or might want to go out. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
Cat Owners
Talk to people you know about any cat problems you’re having. Although you might want to attempt to handle the problem yourself, other cat owners can provide you with excellent advice that may help you to resolve it. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
Do not discipline your cat if it makes a mess outside its litter box. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. Punishments given to the cat will just make him or her less willing to be around its owner going forward.
Give your cat a water fountain. Cats like running water in the wild, as well as in the home. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. Cats will even drink from the tap if they can! A fountain keeps the water moving without letting any go to waste.
Use canned food for your cat. Dry food may cost less, but canned food has more benefits. Canned food gives your cat more protein and the water content helps with hydration. As your cat ages, canned food is more easily chewed. Your vet can give you more information specific to your cat, though canned food is usually better.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. After the initial period though, they should start to settle and begin to get along like old friends.
Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. Some inexpensive antibiotics can clear up a potentially dangerous illness.
Cats need to have play in their life. No matter what age, play is common among cats and other animals. Though older cats don’t have as much energy, they still need some play. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.
A cat may not be just like a dog, but they are a great addition to a family. Cats are great hunters and can make kills more frequently than dogs at times. These skills are one of the many reason cats make such wonderful pets.