Smart, graceful, and stealthy are all things cats are. These are just some of the characteristics of a cat. Those fuzzy little beings can be quite a handful at times, though, and that’s why the following article will be very helpful. In this article, you will find some useful tips for owning a cat that will make your life together with your cat a happy one. Read on to learn more!
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. A spayed cat is a safe cat.
Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
Check your cats ears frequently for ear mites. You may notice your cat shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot if they have them. They are tiny parasites that look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. If you have more than one cat, they can also travel from cat to cat. See a vet before using any medication on them since their ears need properly cleaned first.
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.
Use your cat to teach your children responsibilities. A pet demands care that the whole family can participate in. Each child can take different day to feed the cat, for instance. Same thing for litterbox care. You can make a schedule and post it on the refrigerator. Then, everyone knows what they are responsible for.
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.
Feed your cat several different kinds of food if you want to the lower the chances of them becoming finicky. If you feed them only one type of food, they may refuse to eat anything else. However, stick with the same brand, and just vary the flavors because cats can have stomach problems if you vary the food too much.
Use aversives to deter your feline friend from going places where it is not allowed. An aversive is anything that creates an undesirable environment for your cat. Examples include shelf paper (sticky side facing upward) and tinfoil. Most cats prefer to avoid these textures at all costs. You can also use carpet tape that has adhesive on both sides.
Your cat will thrive if allowed to say indoors. It is shown that cats trained inside that then spend the majority of their lives inside tend to live longer than cats free to roam the neighborhood. Outdoor cats face numerous predators and are at a higher risk of disease.
If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds, choose foods that help the animal to feel full. If the cat acts like it is hungry all the time, you will be tempted to feed (and overfeed) it. Look for cat foods that contain higher amounts of protein and fiber. This also promotes a healthy digestive system, which contributes to weight loss.
Cats can be prone to a lot of the same illnesses you get. Since your furry friend is part of the family, you should be aware when something is wrong with his health. You should take your cat to the vet for an examination. It can be dangerous to avoid taking your cat to the vet when it is sick because there may be serious conditions that need checking. A vet can check for these.
You will notice that veterinarian bills cost a lot over time. You can save money on medications by ordering them online. Many places will deliver the goods to your doorstep. This is ideal for monthly heart worm pills and flea treatments that your cat needs.
You might be leery about having your cat fully vaccinated, especially when they are strictly indoors. Rabies shots are important because you never know what critter might sneak into your house. Talk to your vet about the other vaccines. They will be able to help you determine what is healthiest for your cat.
After reading this article, you have some ideas that you can put into practice. This will ensure you are an effective cat owner. There is no denying that the quality of your companionship is improved greatly when your cat receives the care it needs. Put these tips to use and enjoy the results.