Cats are amazing creatures. Independent and loving at the same time, they make ideal pets. Before bringing a kitty cat into your home, however, it is important to educate yourself on cat care so that you know what to do and what to expect. Use the helpful tips discussed in this article to ensure that your cat is well cared for.
Watch the amount of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you do give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a regular routine.
Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor cat.
Cats can have nocturnal tendencies. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. You won’t be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.
Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. Long hair encourages hairballs. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.
Get your cat sprayed and neutered to prevent diseases and infections that form in the reproductive system. This can also help reduce the chance for overpopulation in the country, as just one male who is not neutered can produce up to half a million offspring over the course of his life.
Cats like to chase birds and catch them. This helps cats to build and deliver crucial hunting skills. But what if you have an indoor cat? You can find cat toys at the pet store that will help you simulate a bird flying around. Your cat will love it, and love you for it.
Cats enjoy being high up. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.
Most cats love to lounge right on your lap. As cozy as this can be, it is not always convenient. If your cat has a favorite spot, such as on your lap at the computer it can be hard to get things done. Getting a pet bed for your cat and perching it right next to your chair can help satisfy your cats need to be near you.
If you’ve just met a cat, don’t look at them in their eyes. Cats do not like being stared at by people they don’t know. That’s why they are more comfortable if you are not looking at them. They are more likely to approach you that way, and more likely to kindly regard you in the future.
A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. This is very important for indoor cats. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.
Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. However, the litter box must be kept in a location that is easily accessible for your pet. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a rug or mat under it.
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.
When disciplining a cat for bad behavior, you must catch him in the act, or discipline is futile. You must also never hit your cat, as this could hurt him and damage the relationship you have with him. Instead, try using a squirt gun, giving him a gentle squirt when you catch him engaging in bad behavior. This will eventually teach him that there is an undesirable consequence for what he is doing, causing him to think twice before he does it again!
Keep your cat groomed to keep them looking and feeling good. Giving their fur a regular brushing ensures a healthy coat with no matting and less shedding. They will also have fewer hairballs from cleaning their own fur. Clip their claws, but don’t clip them too short, as it may hurt them. A vet can provide assistance if you need help with clipping.
Independent, intelligent and loving, cats can make exceptional house pets. Before deciding to adopt a cat however, it is a good idea to educate yourself on proper cat care. Utilize all of the information you’ve learned from this article to take great care of your kitty and keep her healthy for years to come.
