Cats make the perfect pet for several reasons. They offer companionship, clean themselves and are easily trained. Below are some great tips and tricks that every cat owner needs to know in order to live happily with their new feline friend.
You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. They need to be brushed every day. This can keep them clean. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.
Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away. Cats who love to chew need to be kept away from cords. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.
Cats are usually more active during the night. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. Try closing the door if your cats are keeping you awake at night. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.
Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Cats have a need to communicate with others to show they are part of the family. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.
Cats will often devote most of their time to grooming. In long-haired cats, hairballs can result from excess grooming. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.
If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. If your cat seems upset or agitated, turn down the music and speak calmly to him.
Create a little tablecloth for your cat. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.
Carriers are great devices for you to have as a cat owner. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. They are much better with encouragement. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.
If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.
Cats can really make wonderful pets. Cats are often a comfort and can also aid in stress relief. However, caring for them properly is vital to their long term life and happiness. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your cat will enjoy each other for years to come.