Dogs may be man’s best friend, but cats can make pretty great pets too. Whether your cat is aloof or appreciates a good snuggle, a cat can be a wonderful companion. However, cats aren’t always easy to care for. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your cat.
Cats love to play so make sure that you provide them with lots of toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is not only fun, it helps them to get exercise too.
For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it completely every three days or so. When you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don’t waste your money on liners as cats tend to destroy them.
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.
There needs to be set boundaries with your children and a new kitty. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.
Brush your cat regularly. This helps spread out the cat’s natural oils in their fur and stimulates blood flow in the skin. Also, it helps manage loose hair. This helps to stop hairballs and their associated medical problems.
If your cat has a scratching post that is beginning to look worn, don’t get rid of it. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.
Get a drinking fountain for your cat. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.
If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.
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.
Don’t buy a closed litter box without first considering the disadvantages. True, it’s nice that you don’t have to see the contents of the litter box. However, odors tend to build up in closed boxes, making it necessary to clean it more frequently. Covered litter boxes also constrict your cat’s movement, which is a problem for larger pets.
Turn out the lights and use a black-light to identify the source of that mystery cat urine smell. Cat pee contains phosphorus, which glows brightly under this type of light bulb. This is especially useful because otherwise you might not be able to see the exact area to be treated. Use a piece of chalk to lightly trace the outline of the stain so you can see it when you turn the regular lights back on.
Outfit your cat with a tag and collar containing your address, phone number, and name. Even house cats run the risk of getting loose. They have to be able to get home again.
There are certain foods that you might eat everyday that are not healthy for your cat. Common foods that are poisonous to cats include: garlic, grapes, onions and tomatoes. These foods are healthy for humans, but they can make cats very sick. Milk can too. It can give your cat stomach pains.
Phenol is a dangerous chemical to use around your cat. Pine-Sol and Lysol contain this ingredient. Your little friends find this smell completely offensive. Even worse it can cause liver damage over time.
You schedule your doctor’s appointments on a regular basis and you should do the same with your new cat. Cats need regular checkups to make sure they haven’t caught any bugs or infections in the wild. Many cats actually deal with obesity as well and a vet will be able to point this out.
If your cat has a problem with frequent hairballs, he may end up with digestive problems, retching and vomiting. The best way to avoid hairballs is to keep your cat well-groomed, brushing him daily to remove loose hair. Less hair means less hairballs. Another benefit of frequent brushing is that is great for bonding with your cat. Most cats love to be brushed and groomed.
Living with cats can be frustrating, but it can also be fantastic. Thanks to this article, you should have a lot of ideas on how to better care for your pet. Dog lovers may get more slobbery kisses, but cats are wonderful in their own way. These suggestions will help you appreciate yours.
