Cats are wonderful to have around, but they aren’t always easy to live with! When it comes to cats, you have to be aware of many things in order to properly raise it. Continue reading to learn excellent tips on properly providing for your cat.
Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.
It’s not easy to keep cats off counters. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.
Cats generally will meow for a reason. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. It could be she’s hungry or needs to go outside. Be aware of the cues your cat gives you, and the two of you will have a better relationship.
Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. Cage in an area for a cat in your backyard if they must go outside.
Always watch a kitten around small kids. Under five, the child needs to be watched. Their immaturity prevents them from understanding how easily they could hurt the kitten. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.
Cats like to be up high. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.
Give your cat a good brushing regularly. Brushing spreads natural oils throughout a cat’s fur, and also helps stimulate blood flow in their skin. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. This helps keep those hairballs from building up in your cat’s stomach.
When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. The cat will be fearful of you if you punish it.
You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. Cats who eat the same food day after day either grow tired of it, or it becomes the only food that they will eat.
Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. This is important even if your pet lives indoors. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.
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. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Sooner or later, they’ll tolerate and even begin to love each other.
Aired Cat
If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. Although it may look nice, it will look much worse when it sheds all over your home. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. They can also have more health issues due to hairballs.
Does your home feel inundated with balls of cat fur? Cats can shed quite a bit; therefore, it’s important that you maintain proper grooming habits by brushing them often. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This can also stop their coats from becoming tangled up.
Taking care of cats may seem simple at first, and if you’re lucky enough to get one that doesn’t present any issues they are, but most require a lot of attention, TLC and a few vet check-ups. By using this information, you can take the best care possible of your cat. The research will reward you both!