when it comes to owning a cat, there are many things an owner needs to be responsible for. If you are considering getting a cat for a pet, this article is for you. Read on and learn what things every cat owner should know in order for their pet to be happy and healthy.
Keep your cat occupied by making your own dangly toys. Using soft cotton rope, cut a length of about two feet. Tie a knot at one end. Tie another knot about three inches from the opposite end. Unravel the rope below this knot. Attach the rope to the back of a kitchen chair for your cat to play.
If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
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!
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.
Cats frequently groom themselves. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.
If you want to have your cat for many years, it is a good idea to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.
If your cat has to have a surgery such as being spayed or neutered, they will need rest when they come home. It is hard to keep a cat from jumping up on furniture, but necessary to avoid pulling out stitches. Designate an area in your house for your cat to recuperate where they will be less likely to injure themselves, until they are healed enough to roam free.
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Take the time to make your cat familiar and comfortable with a carrier. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. The cat will enter it on its own. A cat who is used to a carrier will not mind traveling, meaning it will be a much less stressful experience for them.
Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
Don’t scrimp when it comes to your pet’s food. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats in the wild are meat eaters, and domestic cats need meat to ensure optimum health.
Encourage your child to play with cats by using toys, not by using their fingers and hands. Choose toys that put distance between the child’s hands and the cat’s teeth and claws. During a vigorous play session, an excited kitten is more likely to accidentally scratch its playmate’s skin. For example, you might use a long wand-type toy with a dangling feather or bell.
Do not give your cat any products that were made to get rid of fleas or worms if you know that she is pregnant. While you want to get rid of these pests once and for all, it is not worth placing your cat’s health in any type of jeopardy.
It is always important to make sure to get your cat neutered or spayed as early as your vet will allow you to. Cats are natural explorers and love to look around and check things out. Indoor cats do get out occasionally. If they are out for just a little while, there’s a risk that they may return pregnant. Lots of cats lose their lives because of overpopulation every year.
While owning a cat has many benefits, it also requires a great deal of work. Be sure and implement the tips and tricks mentioned in the article above in order to give your cat the best life possible. A happy cat will serve as a wonderful companion for years and years.
