If you were given the opportunity to rescue an animal, would you take it? There are thousands of cats just waiting for you to find them. Taking in just one can enrich both your life and theirs.
If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.
If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.
Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Cats need stimulation. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. If they’re inside kitties, get them a post or something else that they can scratch and climb.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Let them know which rooms and areas your cats should not be in. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.
Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. They don’t know what harm they can do. Once the child is older and more mature, decide if they are ready for the responsibility of handling animals.
Cats enjoy climbing on things. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.
Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Encouragement is a better way to get your cats to perform. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. In the future, your cat will not get scared when you put him in the carrier.
Make sure your cat has identification and a collar all the time. Even an indoor pet should have this. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. This is especially true for cats with medical conditions.
The best way to make sure that you have a healthy cat is to keep up to date with vaccinations and trips to the vet. Just like children, a kitten needs to have immunizations and wellness checks periodically to avoid disease and other health problems later in life. Please consider your cat as a family member, and take good care of them.
You should be proud about caring for your cat. You are sharing your home with an animal that really needs your love. You’re making a friend for the duration of their life. Take care of your cat and your cat will take care of you.