Properly training your new cat takes a unique skill-set that no other animal can prepare you for. If you hope for your pet to be well-behaved, house trained, and playful with others, then you need to spend as much time with it as possible and practice any of the tips you find in the following paragraph. It’s not like a dog that you can leave outside on the chain for weeks.
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.
Keep the litter box clean. Cats are naturally very clean animals, and a dirty litter box will have your cat looking for alternative places to relieve himself. Cats also value their privacy, so try to locate the box in an area that does not get a lot of foot traffic.
Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. To assist your cat if it has this problem, you should get food that’s special. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.
Should you leave the house with your cat, make sure that she is wearing a collar with tags. This way, if anything happens and you two become separated, anyone can find her and know how to reach you. Your cat may not like the collar all the time, but when she’s out of the house it can save her.
Do you have a cat and a dog? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.
If you have a kitten, a very important part of raising him is to get him socialized. This means making sure he is comfortable in many situations. These include: handling by humans, grooming and nail care, vet visits, and other social situations. The time to do this is between ten and twelve weeks of age.
Understand that your cat is easily influenced by its surroundings. Cats have superior memories and will usually retain training for a lifetime. Conversely, they also retain frightening experiences and it takes them a long time to get over their fears. Be encouraging with your cat and avoid situations that scare them.
You should install a small drinking fountain for your cat. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. Actually, certain cats like to drink right from the sink faucet as it runs. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
Just as important as it is to take care of your own teeth, you need to take care of your cats as well. Cats can develop tarter and plaque build-up over time. Purchasing a toothbrush and toothpaste made specially for felines is a great way to keep your cats teeth clean and healthy.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
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.
Buy a pet drinking fountain to prevent dehydration. Cats are attracted to running water, so a pet drinking fountain may help to encourage your cat to drink more. Proper hydration can cure and prevent a large number of feline health problems. Therefore, a pet drinking fountain could improve the health of your cat and reduce vet bills.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
Is your cat really sweet and lovable? If so, they might make a good therapy pet. Pet therapy uses animals to go into places like nursing homes, and bring some joy to the people there. Your cat will be happy with all the attention, and you can feel good about doing something positive for others.
One of the most delightful things about a dog is the way they happily greet their owners. When a cat wags its tail, it means something very different. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. If you’re snuggling your kitty and you see its tail wag, it’s a sign you should put it down before you get scratched.
Your first cat will always be your hardest, but the ones that follow will all be pretty difficult as well. Each cat has its own unique attitude, habits, and back-story. All that you can do is try your hardest to train them properly and implement the tips you have read above.
