Cats are constant companions wherever humans choose to live, whether they’re kept as pets or left to fend for themselves in the streets. Cats come with many issues from health issues to overpopulation. Getting to know a cat’s needs and taking great care of it can help your cat to have a fantastic life.
You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the cardboard rolls that are used for paper towels. The cords on electronics should be hidden as well.
Never let a cat become bored. Cats require physical activity. Unfortunately there are too many cat owners who don’t properly exercise their cats. Boredom can beget illness. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Litter Box
Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. This will make you and your cat happy.
Cats love high spots. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.
You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.
You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.
Brush your cat at regular times. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.
A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. This is particularly important if you have a cat with medical needs.
Getting a second cat is usually beneficial to both, but you have to give the two cats a few weeks to get acclimated to each other. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat. Therefore, they may hide, hiss, or even fight one another. After the initial period though, they should start to settle and begin to get along like old friends.
Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. Even older cats like to play. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.
Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won’t smell it. However, it is important to keep their litter box in an area they can easily get to. To satisfy a cat’s demanding requirements, the litter box needs to be sited somewhere convenient and comfortable. If your litter box is on a cold surface, place a rug or mater underneath it.
Avoid any products containing phenol around your cats. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. The smell offends them and being exposed to it for several hours can cause liver problems.
Panting is a bad symptom. For dogs, panting is typical behavior. Panting could mean your cat is dehydrated or nervous, but it could also be a sign of a serious issue. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.
If your cat was adopted while you were not working, your cat will get lonely when you go back to work. If this is proving to be a problem, consider getting another cat to keep them company while you’re gone.
Many diseases can be transmitted between humans and felines. Because your cat is always around you, you should know whenever your cat is sick. Always take your cat to the vet if you suspect illness. The veterinarian can rule out any serious conditions.
Put a collar with tags on your cat at all times. Cats are intelligent creatures and can easily find a way to get outside. By having a tag collar on your cat, it will be easier for others to find your cat and return it to you in case it gets lost.
After reading this article, you should have a working knowledge on how to care for your cat. They can cause damage to your yard or attack your pets. Therefore, give your cat as much love as possible. You may even bond with a stray cat that comes your way.