Felines are mysterious and even magical animals. They’re smart, but also independent, which makes them a great pet. You do have to take great care of your pet, though. Read the following tips, and you should be able to learn a lot about how you can deal with owning a cat so that it’s happy.
Drape Cords
Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This is an extreme choking hazard and should be prevented at all costs. To prevent this from happening, keep any drape cords pinned away from any eyes.
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.
Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. Therefore, try to turn down your music or keep if off altogether so your cat has a better trip.
Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.
If you give your kids a kitten, provide them with firm boundaries at the same time. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.
Get your cat used to a carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.
Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. They may swat at each other or hiss; that’s nothing to be concerned about. Sooner or later, they’ll tolerate and even begin to love each other.
A cat is a great pet for your family, but you need to learn how to take good care of your pet. Learn all you can from this article. Put the information to good use for your kitty friend so that you can have them in your life for many years to come.