T.S. Eliot, the famed poet, once likened cats to creatures that a household depends on, the there is some truth behind his words. Eliot thought that cats were a core component of the household. Happy, healthy cats can make life complete. Unfortunately, cats aren’t always the easiest creatures to live with. Here’s some advice for building a healthier relationship with your pet.
Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. This kind of collar can turn a potentially-dangerous situation into a merely exasperating one.
Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). The cords on electronics should be hidden as well.
Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. 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. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.
You should brush your cat on a regular basis. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. It also loosens hair that is about ready to fall out. This can keep hairballs at bay because this can choke up a cat and also build up in its stomach.
Litter Box
If your cat does not use the litter box, do not use punishments to try to discipline him. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. The cat will be fearful of you if you punish it.
Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. It sometimes has more benefits over dry. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. It’s much easier for older cats to chew it as well. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.
You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. The tag should have your phone number on it. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. They may seem like they’re fighting all the time. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.
Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. Most of the time, these conditions can be resolved with relatively affordable antibiotic treatments.
Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. You have made your cat a family member, and you have to treat your cat accordingly.
The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. A few unhealthy food items for cats are green tomatoes, grapes, garlic and onions. When a cat eats these items, they can get very sick. Even a commonly fed food, milk, can make your kitty ill.
It isn’t always easy being a cat owner, but it’s definitely rewarding. Whether you have a cat that’s hyper or one that sleeps too much, you can use the tips above to help you take better care of your cat. Sounds of contentment are bound to arise more often.
