Cats are some of the most lovable creatures a person can own as a pet. However owning a cat comes with a lot of responsibilities. The following article will help teach you exactly what you need to know about owning a cat. Be sure to read and learn what it takes so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not a cat is a good idea for your household.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
If you don’t want your cat to scratch up furniture, try filling a small spray bottle with water and spritzing your cat whenever he tries. Cats generally avoid water altogether for reasons no one is sure about, so he will not like this. Eventually he will stop scratching to avoid getting sprayed.
Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. They give lots of affection and need some in return. Cats need a social life with people just like you do with other people. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.
Get your cat sprayed and neutered to prevent diseases and infections that form in the reproductive system. This can also help reduce the chance for overpopulation in the country, as just one male who is not neutered can produce up to half a million offspring over the course of his life.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. Most of the time, you will get great discounts if you purchase on the web.
Having a hard time giving your cat a bath? Try this. Take an old window screen and put it in your sink or bathtub. Put your cat in, and he will claw the screen and stay there. Then start washing, but do don’t dilly dally. Use a cup to help you to pour warm water on your cat unless you have a movable shower head.
Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. You can give your cat on a shelf to accomplish this. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.
Brush your cat often. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. Hairballs can be prevented this way, which often lead to choking. There will be little need for self grooming and hair build up.
Sometimes you need to give your cat a pill. Some cats are harder than others, but you should trim their nails first. Then hold the head, open the mouth, and put the pill in. Then blow on the cats face. This will likely make the cat lick its nose, and the pill will go down naturally.
When getting a small kitten to eat dry kitten food, be patient. At first they usually just play with food. It may take a little while, but they’ll eventually learn that they are supposed to eat it rather than toy with it. If the food is moistened first with milk, a kitten may take to it faster.
Ensure that your new cat is spayed or neutered. This is important even if your cat will not be outdoors or around cats of the opposite gender. Studies show that spayed cats are less vulnerable to uterine, mammary, and ovarian cancer. Neutering your male cat decreases his risk of developing prostate cancer. Another benefit of neutering is that your cat will not feel compelled to mark his territory by spraying.
If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.
If there is a place where your cat likes to use the bathroom other than the litter box, there is a simple way to deal with this. There are sprays formulated to be very offensive to cats. If you apply this spray in these areas, the cat will stay away from there.
Owning a cat is not easy. It is going to require a lot of work on your part to make sure your cat remains happy and healthy. However, if you implement the advice mentioned in the article above, there is no reason why you can’t be a wonderful owner to your feline friend.
