Are you a fan of cats? Many people are fans, as these cute and lovable creatures give people many reasons to enjoy them. If you’ve ever thought about owning a cat, then you’ve come to the right place. This article can give you some good advice that will help you raise a cat.
Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. You’re literally saving their life.
Cats are constantly grooming themselves, and this is why they rarely need a bath. If your cat gets into something particularly stinky, a bath will not hurt them. If your cat does not like water you might want to wear gloves so that you do not get scratched. You might also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member.
To keep your cat healthy and strengthen its bond with you, always set aside lots of play time. Kittens especially need lots of attention, which you can easily give to them through play. Pull a piece of string around for a fun and gentle way to keep a cat entertained for hours!
Never have your cat declawed. Many people misunderstand declawing, thinking it is the simple removal of a cat’s nail. This is not true. In fact, the veterinarian must remove the top knuckle along with the claw during the procedure. This can result in arthritis pain later in life and many behavior problems, such as biting. There are many alternatives from scratching posts to glue-on claw caps that can protect your belongings from a cat’s claws without resorting to such a harsh surgical solution.
A great toy for your cat is a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the laser around and try to catch it. This will help you give your cat some exercise, while your cat is having fun at the same time. It will also help to fine-tune their hunting skills.
Consider those expensive cat litter boxes. There are cat litter boxes now that allow you to have minimal interaction with them. This can be great for anyone who is tired of cleaning a litter box. But be careful, as they may not work as easily as they claim to. If you can, make sure there is a return policy and don’t lose the receipt. You may find you prefer the old-fashioned style!
Cats can really be so much more than pets, they can be lifelong companions. It has been proven that cats can decrease your blood pressure, lessen the symptoms of depression and help you to live a longer happier life. If you feel like something is missing in your life, you might just need a cat.
Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.
Regularly brush your cat’s hair. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. It also gets rid of shedding hair. This can reduce hairballs which can be harmful to a cat and build up in their stomachs.
If you have more than one cat, you should have as many litter boxes as you have cats. If too many cats have to share the same litter box, it can mean disaster! The cats may choose not to share their eliminating space, instead, using other areas, such as clean laundry or hidden corners of the home to do their business.
Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. This is very critical if your feline has specific medical issues.
If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. A quick course of antibiotics can head off dangerous complications if you get your cat diagnosed and treated early enough.
Dogs wag tails out of joy. When a cat wags its tail, it’s for a completely different reason. If you see a cat’s tail moving like that, it is an indication that they are agitated or don’t know what to do. If you are petting your cat and its tail begins to wag vigorously, stay away from the cat. It may be ready to attack you.
Cats are one of the best pets on earth. They funny, warm, soft, and very playful. Raising a cat should be pretty easy after reading the advice listed here. There’s only one step that you have to take, and that’s getting the actual cat. Have fun taking care of your new furry friend.
