Cats provide endless hours of companionship and entertainment. However, it should be noted that owning cat also requires a lot of hard work. Cat owners have many responsibilities. Luckily in this article you can figure out just what you’re going to have to do. Read on for much enlightenment.
If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.
Don’t be pushy when you are getting to know your new cat. Cats prefer to be in control and take things at their own pace. Make sure your new cat is comfortable and safe. Let your cat take its time exploring its new environment. When your cat feels at home, it will be more likely to try to make friends with you.
To keep your cat healthy and strengthen its bond with you, always set aside lots of play time. Kittens especially need lots of attention, which you can easily give to them through play. Pull a piece of string around for a fun and gentle way to keep a cat entertained for hours!
Check your cats ears frequently for ear mites. You may notice your cat shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot if they have them. They are tiny parasites that look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. If you have more than one cat, they can also travel from cat to cat. See a vet before using any medication on them since their ears need properly cleaned first.
When training a cat, take the proper approach. Encouragement works better than anger. If you are trying to teach a kitten to use a litterbox, for instance, yelling will only frighten a small cat. When the cat starts to go outside the box, gently place them in the box so they learn.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.
Use your cat to teach your children responsibilities. A pet demands care that the whole family can participate in. Each child can take different day to feed the cat, for instance. Same thing for litterbox care. You can make a schedule and post it on the refrigerator. Then, everyone knows what they are responsible for.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This will also prevent squabbles between them.
If you suspect your cat has sprayed in your home but can not find the area, there is hope. Purchasing an inexpensive black light can save you from having to rip up your carpets. Your cats urine will glow under the black light, showing you exactly where to clean.
If you live in an area that is populated by wild animals, such as coyote and fox, you may need to make you cat an indoor cat. Wild animals pose a real threat to cats, and to avoid the loss of a beloved pet, it is sometimes best to keep them indoors for the course of their lives.
A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. While older cats aren’t near as energetic, they still enjoy playing often. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.
While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.
When your cat first gives birth to her kittens, resist the urge to pick them up. This is a crucial time for kittens to bond with their mother and learn some basics, so leave them alone. You should be able to have more interaction with the kittens after about a week.
Kittens should never be taken from their mothers before they are eight to ten weeks old. During this time, kittens learn most of their social and instinctive behaviors, and removing them from the mother too soon can cause future behavioral issues the mother cat could have taught them had they not been removed too early.
You should never give a cat medication that is for humans. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. Giving cats medication meant for humans is very dangerous and could even kill them.
Dry food is best for adult cats. Little kittens need moist food since their baby teeth can’t handle much else. As kittens get their adult teeth, the hard food helps their keep teeth strong. Dry food and wet food can also be mixed together for a really finicky cat.
Don’t hit your kitten with a rolled up newspaper if it has been bad. That kind of discipline will only create fear and distrust. Spray a cat with water if it misbehaves.
Mature cats often have special dietary requirements. As cats increase in age, the nutritional needs of your cat change. Usually, a cat will have problems related to age when they are between 7 and 12 years old. A change in their diet at this time can ensure a longer and healthier life.
There are so many reasons why cats are such popular and beloved pets. In order for your cat to be healthy and happy, you must give it the right care and attention. Make certain to apply your new-found knowledge if you are thinking about adding a feline to your family.
