Graceful movements, intelligence and comforting purring. Cats are absolutely wonderful animals and make excellent pets. But these kitties can be a total handful though. You need this post to help. In this article, you’ll find plenty of great advice that will make you a more responsible cat owner. Read on to get some great tips!
Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.
In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.
Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.
Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!
When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. You may try to handle it yourself, but you might need input from other cat owners. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. While some folks think you should pick up your cat and place their paws against the litter, this can actually be traumatic.
Invest in a cat friendly fountain. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. Streams of water will attract your cat. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. Installing a drinking fountain for your cat is a more eco-friendly way to provide it with some running water.
Think about extra care before you take home a cat with long hair. That hair will truly get everywhere! If you can handle the extra grooming and cleaning time, then a long haired cat might be a good choice for you. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
There are things you can eat that your cat cannot. Garlic and onions are popular examples. Ingesting these foods can end up making your cat really sick or worse. Milk also often upsets your cat’s stomach.
Do not use cleaning supplies with phenol in them if you have a cat. Lysol, for example, has many harmful agents that can harm your cat. The smell is pretty offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage.
Don’t let a cat that’s had its claws removed go outside. Your cat cannot defend itself, rendering it helpless against other animals. Indoor cats are the only ones that should ever be declawed. If you do decide to declaw your indoor cat, do not remove the back claws. Leaving the back claws are important so that your cat can scratch themselves.
Use sticky tape to protect your furniture. This can deter your cat from scratching the upholstery. Some companies make tape specifically for this purpose. Taping your furniture can save you money and teach your cat not to scratch the material.
Look around your home for holes that can make a cat become stuck. It’s amazing how small a hole has to be before a cat can’t fit. This is especially true of kittens. When you bring a new kitty home, keep this in mind. Repair any holes, or change furniture arrangements in problem areas.
If you buy another pet, and you own a cat, it may be initially fearful of the new animal. Keep newcomers isolated upon their initial homecoming. Your cat will begin to become acquainted with the new pet’s smell. Gradually introduce the new member of your family to your cat.
You should now have some ideas you can use. You’ll be a better person for it. Your cat will be happy and healthy with proper care. Put these tips into practice and reap the benefits.
