Cats are wonderful to have around, but they aren’t always easy to live with! From specific dietary needs, to grooming needs and behavioral challenges, you must consider many different concerns when you have a cat. This article provides some great advice on a vast array of topics to help you deal with your new furry friend.
Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. Cats have a natural predilection for staking out a nice elevated place where they have a good view of their surroundings. One good way to beat this problem is by giving your kitty some safe, high perches throughout the house. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.
Cats are usually more active during the night. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. It also protects your toes from those crafty midnight pounces.
Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. If this occurs, you will have a mess on your hands. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Make sure that you let your kids know which areas of the house the cat will be allowed in. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. You need to establish some clear rules for your pet and ask everyone to follow them.
Don’t let your cat go outside. This isn’t safe for your cat. Your cat can pick up fleas, or worse. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, or get injured by a vehicle or another person. If the cat must go outside, set aside a small part of the backyard or front lawn as a place where they can go.
Cat Owners
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.
Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.
Don’t scrimp when it comes to your pet’s food. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.
If your pet is expecting kittens, be sure she has a spacious area to give birth in. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If more than five or six hours have passed, and you think that kittens still remain inside, then you must get in touch with your vet.
Litter Box
If you have a cat who won’t use the litter box, try moving it someplace else. Whenever a cat is using the restroom, it feels vulnerable; therefore, the litter box needs to be kept in a safe and quiet location. Some good places would be basements, laundry rooms, and any other place that doesn’t have a lot of noise and people going in and out.
Be on the lookout for panting in cats. Panting is normal behavior for a dog, but that is not always the case for cats. Panting can indicate overheating or anxiousness; however, it can indicate health issues as well. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.
Beginning a new job out of the house can have an impact on your cat. If this is proving to be a problem, consider getting another cat to keep them company while you’re gone.
Cats do best on a diet high in dry food. As kittens, cats need moist food to accommodate small teeth. Hard, dry food is best for grown-up cats because it helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. If your kitty is especially finicky, you can try feeding him a mix of dry and wet food.
Line your furniture with sticky tape. If they scratch the upholstery up, place some tape on it to keep them from doing it. Many pet shops sell this sort of tape. By protecting your furniture and providing a scratching post, you can break this type of habit.
Pet Owner
Being a pet owner means you have to be responsible. Consider the tips presented here to help you become a better pet owner and feel prepared for whatever your cat has in store for you. Knowledge can help you have a much better relationship with your pet.