Cats bring joy and happiness to millions of families all over the world. Cats do have unique personalities, though, and special challenges other pets may not. You should learn everything you can about your cat, and give it the care it deserves. Read these tips to have a happy, healthy feline for years.
Avoid being kept awake by your cat romping through the house at night. When you first get your kitten, establish a habit of putting it to bed in a comfortable crate with a nice bed, litter box, food and water at night. If you start this early, your cat will appreciate having its own safe, cozy room.
As your cat gets older, changes in behavior may signal pain. If your cat doesn’t like to jump or climb any more, it may be in pain. If your cat stops taking care of grooming or stops using its litter box, pain may be the cause. Be sure to have your older cat checked out by your vet if you notice behavior changes.
If your cat is pregnant, set up a comfortable, safe place for her to have her kittens. A big cardboard box equipped with a pillow and blanket is good. Place it in the back of a closet or other out of the way place. Keep food and water dishes nearby.
If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.
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.
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don’t force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he’ll get the idea that it’s there for a reason!
Cats love heights. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. Make sure that this area is comfortable for your cat.
Cats have a natural instinct to hunt small prey. This can sometimes be a problem if you have other small animals in your home. Make sure that bird cages are hanging from the ceiling. If you have a gerbil or hamster, make sure their cages are secure and up high out of your cats reach.
When you are washing a cat litter box, it is a good idea to use basic soap and water. You may think that it would be more sanitary to use a harsh cleaner like bleach or ammonia, but all that will do is create a smell that the cat will find offensive.
Your cat should like their carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Place the open carrier in an area that your cat visits often and outfit it with a favorite toy and blanket. Eventually, the cat will go into the carrier naturally and feel comfortable. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.
Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. It may not look as nice, but cats love a scratching post with some wear and tear. If you replace it with something new, your pet might seek out something a little more worn to scratch – like your furniture.
Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won’t smell it. Make sure your cat can easily reach the litter box at all times. Your cat will use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet place and away from smells your cat does not enjoy. For example, a rug or mat is a good way to make a litter box placed on a concrete floor more attractive to your cat.
Make your years of cat ownership enjoyable with proper care. Cats can be an easy pet to care for at times, while at other times they have special needs specific to their species. Use the advice here to keep your cat bouncing for years. There is no pet quite like a cat, and the memories will last a lifetime.
