If you know what to do to care for your cat, then the cat makes a great pet. As a cat owner, it is important that you take the time to educate yourself on all of the best cat care tips and advice to ensure that your feline friend enjoys a great life. Keep reading for some great tips every cat owner should know about.
As your cat gets older, changes in behavior may signal pain. If your cat doesn’t like to jump or climb any more, it may be in pain. If your cat stops taking care of grooming or stops using its litter box, pain may be the cause. Be sure to have your older cat checked out by your vet if you notice behavior changes.
If you replace an old scratching post, your cat may be unhappy with the new one. Save money on scratching posts. Wrap your old scratching post with some sisal rope to spiff it up. Your cat will be happy not to lose its favorite old post. You will save a little cash.
Your furnishings and belongings can easily be ruined by a cat’s claws. A kitty tower can really save your furniture. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also be a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome “deposits” in neighbor’s gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.
Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Try and put it in an isolated area away from the cat bowl. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Your kitty will thank you.
Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. You need to learn what their meows mean. The cat may want something to eat or to get let out. Listen to what’s she’s trying to tell you, and you’ll begin to understand her cues.
Get your cat a breakaway collar. Make sure it has tags that reflect a phone number, even if you are uncomfortable with an address. Cats can run outdoors or slip away, and you don’t want to worry that you’ll never see your cat again. Make sure that there is adequate information so you can be reached.
The chances are good that your cat will come running for their favorite treat. There are many different recipes out there specifically for homemade cat treats. This is a fun way to spoil your cat. There is also the benefit of knowing what exactly your cat is consuming, to ensure that it is healthy for them.
When you introduce a new cat into your home, you have to be careful with how your other cat reacts. Try giving the new cat a little space in one room at first, and then introduce him to the rest of the house. Make sure to have different litter boxes at first too. If you ease the new cat in, it will go more smoothly for everyone.
You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. Don’t get such a cat unless you are prepared for the extra commitment they take over regular cats. Long-haired cats usually suffer from hairball problems too.
If your cat is bitten by another cat, try to get him to the vet within 24 hours. The vet can put him on antibiotics that will protect him from infection setting in, and causing serious health problems. Cat bites can trap bacteria under your cat’s skin, forming an abscess, or other dangerous infection that can cost you hundreds of dollars to treat later.
A kitty door is a great way to allow your cat to go in and out, without any help from you. You can also use kitty doors on doors inside your home. This can be great if you have a dog or small children, to keep them out of the room with the litter box.
There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
Sometimes cats can have problems with arthritis when they get older. This makes it harder for them to get around. You can buy them a heated bed to lay in to help ease the discomfort. It is also a good idea to talk to the vet about any medications that might help out.
Make sure you regularly use a flea and tick treatment on your cat. There are many monthly drops that are quite effective. Treatments like these can protect your cat from vermin that can cause diseases or drain its blood. Choose a cat-specific brand to ensure their safety.
Do not try to adopt a kitten while they are too young. This will make it more likely that they will try to scratch and bite you. They may be afraid of other cats since they didn’t stay around mom for a longer period of time. You should try waiting at least twelve weeks.
Cats can be awesome pets, though they do require proper care. You’ve read this article in full as you want to be a more responsible pet owner. Applying the insight learned in these tips will help to ensure that your pet has a happy life and provides wonderful companionship.
