Cats can be engaging and delightful, causing you to become engrossed in their playful games. That said, they need to be entertained. You don’t always have to spend money to have fun with your cat. Keep these tips in mind as you care for your cat in the best way possible.
Prevent your cat from chewing on electrical cords by spraying bitter apple on them. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords. Hide those loose cords and keep them out of sight in no longer needed paper towel rolls. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.
Keep your cat amused. Cats need to play and get regular exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.
Give your cat lots of attention and love. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.
If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. Therefore, keep your music or other sounds at an acceptable level.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.
Consider all the options before you let your cat be an outdoors cat. Letting your cat outside greatly increases his risk level. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.
Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. Their immaturity prevents them from understanding how easily they could hurt the kitten. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.
Cats love heights. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. You can have a cat tree or even a strong wall shelf. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.
Scratching Post
If your cat has a scratching post that is beginning to look worn, don’t get rid of it. You may believe that it’s in terrible condition, but cats typically prefer it this way. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.
Don’t scrimp when it comes to your pet’s food. 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. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Your cat is a carnivore, and for proper nutrition, he should have a food high in animal protein in order to keep him at his best.
Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? Since cats shed so much, you must remember to brush them regularly. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This can also stop their coats from becoming tangled up.
Put a breakaway collar on a cat with an engraved tag. An indoor cat should also have a tag with this information because he or she can sometimes escape. When your cat gets outside unexpectedly, it’s your responsibility to enable others to help your cat find their way home again.
Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes. Ingesting these foods can end up making your cat really sick or worse. Your cat should also steer clear of dairy products.
Pet cats should not be allowed to spend time outdoors or away from its home for long periods of time. Studies have shown that cats that live outdoors tend to have shorter lives than cats that stay indoors. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.
Act fast if you cat is panting. Panting in dogs is perfectly normal. Panting could mean your cat is dehydrated or nervous, but it could also be a sign of a serious issue. It is wise to consult your vet, especially if the cat has past respiratory problems.
Don’t let a cat out if you don’t want it to get fleas, feline AIDS or other diseases. An outdoor cat is much more likely to be affected by these dangers than a cat who stays indoors all the time.
Before you are tempted to give your feline bits of food from your table, think about how it may affect his health. Because of the additives and cooking techniques used in human food, you should avoid feeding it to your cat. Give your cat chicken or beef if you must feed it human food. You don’t need to overfeed a cat, though, or he can become overweight.
It is good to have a variety of games and activities to play with your cat. Not every cat will like every one of these tips, but they tend to be popular among the majority of feline voters. Just keep them happy and they’ll stay healthy, too.
