If you’re a cat owner or you want to get a cat in the near future, you’re probably wondering how you can care for it properly. Cats make great pets but they can take a little work to take care of. Read through this article for some solid advice, and this will be something you can do.
Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. Whenever cats jump on these cords, they might get tangled up in them. This may harm or kill them. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.
Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.
It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Canine flea products can be lethal to a cat. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
Get a scratching post to keep your cat from tearing up your carpet. If you can, get a post that does not have the same type of carpet that is on the floor of your home, so your cat doesn’t associate the two. Instead, get a post that is covered in cardboard, sisal, or thick rope.
Let your cat exercise their hunting instinct. Cats are natural born hunters; however, this does not mean you need to allow mice to invade your home. Hide treats and toys throughout your home, and your cat will have a blast hunting down their treats. You can also find feather and laser toys that your cat can chase and pounce on.
If you want a cat that is well-behaved and not prone to biting and scratching, make sure that you do not try to adopt one when it is too young. It takes 12-16 weeks for a kitten to learn proper cat behavior from their mom and all of their siblings.
It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.
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.
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.
There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
Watch out for panting. Panting is dogs is normal. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. Be sure and make an appointment with your vet if you notice any respiratory problems with your cat.
Cats will generally do whatever pleases them, and this is fine, just as long as it doesn’t destroy your property. A little training can go along way in keeping your items safe. Be gentle with your cats, and don’t scream, yell, or use violence with them. Whistles and squirt guns can alert your cat that they’re doing something wrong.
A clean litter box is essential for a healthy cat. Litter training your cat is relatively easy. It is almost an instinct for a cat to use a litter box. Make sure you scoop it every day and every week completely change the litter and wash the litter box with dish soap.
As you can see now, it’s not terribly difficult to care for a cat. You just have to be patient and everything will fall into place for you. Take the things that you have learned here and you’ll be well equipped to deal with cats. Enjoy your feline friends and good luck!
