You can get a better pet than a cat. Those new to cat ownership or just interested in cat care should read the following tips. There are plenty of great pieces of advice that would be of use to any potential cat owner below.
Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat’s bedding. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
Spay your female cat. It does not matter if you an indoor cat; if she gets out when in heat, you can end up with many kittens. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.
Normally cats are nocturnal animals. They get very active at night. Close your bedroom door if your cat is driving you nuts at night. This will keep them from pouncing on you and trying to play in the middle of the night.
Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. The area should also be well ventilated so that it doesn’t smell too badly. Your kitty will thank you.
Watch kittens around kids. A cat should not be left alone with a child under five years of age. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. 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.
Cat Owners
When something seems amiss with your feline friend, speak with other cat owners. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. 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.
Brush your cat at regular times. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. You will also decrease the amount of fur throughout your home. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.
Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. If you attempt to punish your pet, you may cause fear and resentment–and more accidents!
Purchase good quality food for your cat. You should check the ingredients and make sure the food you give your cat includes a healthy source of protein, such as chicken, fish or beef. Avoid brands that use non-meat fillers like corn. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.
It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.
A cat is an amazing pet to own. Cats provide plenty of affection and stress relief to their owners. But you’ve got to understand how to properly care for your cat. Therefore, utilize the excellent advice found here to ensure that you obtain the maximum enjoyment from your cat.