Cats have often been mentioned in fiction and poetry. T.S. Eliot once called cats a crucial element to a home, and this statement rings true today. A cat that is healthy and well mannered can be a great addition to any home. Cats are quirky though. Here are some tips on how you and your pet can better co-exist.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Pin the cords of your drapes up where your cat can’t get to them.
Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.
Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Your cat can die when exposed to flea prevention items made for dogs. Keep them separated by at least one door for a few hours after treatment.
An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
Litter Box
The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.
Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn’t going to enjoy the vet bill. Food with a low magnesium content will help. Read the label on any food you choose. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.
When your cat is riding with you in your car, ensure you keep their ears in mind. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.
You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. Getting to know your cats cues will help you to interpret her meows.
Cats enjoy being high up. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. If you don’t wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. Additionally, you can place a bed or blanket in this space.
Drinking Fountain
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Cats react better to a moving water stream. Running sink water is another alternative that you can use. A drinking fountain will be good for the environment and can help the cat to enjoy its water more.
If you wish to add another cat to your home, give it a couple weeks for your old cat and your new cat to grow accustomed to each other. They might hide from each other or hit each other. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.
Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. That hair will truly get everywhere! You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. Not to mention cats that have long hair are more prone to getting issues with hairballs.
It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. Go to a vet if there are problems, don’t self diagnose. Giving your pet medication that was meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and it may even cause death.
Your cat has a remarkable sense of smell, much better than humans. They detect subtle changes in their environment. This can sometimes cause difficulties when you buy a new scratching post, cat bed or food dish. Don’t let this discourage you. Your cat is going to like them more as they acquire your home’s smell.
There are great benefits which come from owning a cat. No matter how active your cat is, there is always room to improve our relationship with your pet. Those meows will be replaced with purrs in short order.