Cats need to stay active and have something to do when they aren’t asleep. When cats area alone, they can scratch everything and climb on the furniture. Head off this type of bad behavior by investing in some fun cat toys. This article includes lots of information about cats and how to keep them occupied.
If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Put the tile inside a towel and place it under the cat’s bedding. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Make vet appointments immediately if your cat has a medical condition or has become injured.
While children should help with the care and responsibilities of a cat, leave the litterbox duties to the grownups or older children. A cat’s litterbox can carry diseases and parasites. Since younger children may not follow proper handwashing procedures, this job is better left to those older and more responsible.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. This will also prevent squabbles between them.
There’s always a chance that you cat can slip outside your home and become lost. This can be prevented with a breakaway collar. The collar includes an ID, featuring your name, phone number, and address. If the cat is found, anyone can easily contact you and return the cat to you thanks to the information on the collar.
Make sure that there are enough litter boxes in your home for all of the cats that are staying there. It is optimal to have one litter box for each cat. If you live in a home that has a lot of floors, there should be one on each floor for each cat.
Brush your cat at regular times. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. As an added bonus, it cuts down on loose fur. Hairballs can be prevented this way, which often lead to choking. There will be little need for self grooming and hair build up.
Do not leave wet cat food in the bowl for longer than twenty minutes after your cat is done eating it. After you see your kitten is done for the time being, throw out the rest of the food and make sure to wash their bowl thoroughly with light soap and water.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
If you live in an area that is populated by wild animals, such as coyote and fox, you may need to make you cat an indoor cat. Wild animals pose a real threat to cats, and to avoid the loss of a beloved pet, it is sometimes best to keep them indoors for the course of their lives.
Scoop your cat box several times a day. Cats prefer a very clean environment when they use the restroom, and they will often choose not to use the litter box if it is not clean. Try to scoop it every time they use it for best results, especially if your cats are picky.
You should look for holes in which your cat could hide. Cats often fit through small openings. This especially applies to kittens. When you bring a new kitty home, keep this in mind. Repair any holes, or change furniture arrangements in problem areas.
You will notice that veterinarian bills cost a lot over time. You can save yourself some money by ordering your cats medications online. Some companies will even deliver the medication right to your front door. Simple medications that your cat needs to take regularly (e.g., pills for heart worm and flea dip) are especially well-suited to online purchasing.
Cats have lots of energy and toys can help keep them busy. Give them whatever they need. Use the toys that have been told to you in this article to help you keep the cat off of your prized possessions.
