After getting their first cat, many families encounter unexpected issues. When one adopts unprepared, bad things can happen. Even well-educated cat owners are often faced with unexpected challenges. But to lessen the issues early on, use the advice shared here!
Make a free toy for your cat by placing a little dry rice or a few dry beans inside an empty pill bottle. Close the lid and roll the rattly toy across the floor. Most cats can’t resist the sound and motion. You can also tie a length of twine around the neck of the bottle to make a pull toy or a dangly toy.
Choose a high quality food. The key to a healthy cat starts with nutrition. Take a look at the ingredients label. If you look at most “popular” commercial cat foods, you may be surprised to see the top ingredient listed is corn. Cats are carnivores, so look for a food with a real meat as the top ingredient. You may pay more up front, but these foods are often more nutritionally dense, meaning your cat eats less and the bag lasts longer.
Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your 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.
Is your cat constantly destroying your toilet paper? Make sure that your bath tissue is stopping it from rolling over the top. You can also make or buy a toilet paper cover. These covers are not expensive and will save you money if your furry friend insists on playing with your tissue.
You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. When children get a little older, they develop the skills needed to be around small animals.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
Feed your cat high-quality cat food. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying. Ensure that an animal protein source, including fish, chicken, or beef, is the main ingredient. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.
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.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. The more a cat sheds, the moor they should be properly brushed. This can also stop their coats from becoming tangled up.
Do not leave the door to your washing machine or dryer open if you have cats. This is a place where cats love to crawl and take a nap, but it can be very dangerous. You don’t want to turn on the machine then find out your cat is in there. It will be very frightening for them and it may cause an injury.
If you were home all the time when you first adopted your cat and are now going to be out of the home, your cat might get lonely without you there. To improve your cat’s mood, consider adopting a second cat. They can then keep each other company while you are absent.
Try to feed your cat dry food as much as possible. Kittens need the wet food, however, due to their small teeth. Once they grow adult teeth, they benefit from chewing dry food. Your cat might enjoy eating more if you mix dry and wet food.
Think about restricting your cat to only indoors. Cats left outside have significantly lower lifespans, and are susceptible to many diseases and parasites. Some diseases that cats get can be spread to humans. Give your indoor kitty a sunny location, like a window or sun room, to sit in daily in order to help meet his desire to be outdoors.
What you have seen here is tips that apply to cats across the board, regardless of breed. There are certain common problems that arise when raising a kitten, but some cats will exhibit unique problems. Just remember to offer lots of love and companionship to your cat. This is the key instruction to follow.
