Cats are amazing creatures, and they can be wonderful pets. Owning a cat is a challenge, however. There are special needs that a cat owner should be aware of, even if they have had other pets. Cats are not the same as other animals. Read this article to learn helpful tips.
Dog Products
Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. Flea products especially. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Every cat needs exercise time and play! A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.
Cats are often nocturnal creatures. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.
Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. Certain kinds of cat food are made to decrease hairballs. As a result, you and your cat will be happier.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. Demonstrate how the cat should be petted and handled and encourage your children to be very gentle. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.
Make sure that you have a good tablecloth for your kitten. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. That means you will have to tidy up the food left beside the cat bowl. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.
When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.
If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. This can compromise your cat’s safety. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. They can get in a fight or be hit by a car. When your cats go outside, keep an eye out to make sure they do not wander too far away.
Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Cats respond well to this stream of water. In fact, the running water in a sink garnishes more attention from a cat than their water bowl usually does. This is a more natural way for them to drink.
Cats are excellent pets but being a cat owner comes with certain responsibilities. Being a good caregiver will guarantee that your cat live a healthy, productive life. Keep the tips you’ve read here in mind and enjoy your feline friend. Kitty will be thankful!