Cats make the perfect pet for several reasons. Anyone who is new to cat ownership has come to the right place. If you have never owned a cat before, read these tips for important information.
Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Hide the cords for safety sake.
If your cat is an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.
Make sure that you brush your cat’s coat often. This will spread a cat’s oils from their fur and help blood flow from within their skin. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.
Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. If you punish the cat, it may shy away from you at future times.
There are a lot of cats that are overweight. An obese cat can end up developing health problems such as arthritis or diabetes. If your cat could stand to lose a pound or two, try cutting back their food a little bit at each feeding. You can also buy some toys and encourage your cat to play and exercise.
If you want a cat to come your way, it may be a good idea for you to refrain from looking at them. Cats do not like it when people look them directly in the eye, so they tend to go the other way. This is why it seems as if cats always gravitate toward people who are not really fond of animals.
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.
Provide safe and engaging entertainment for your cat at all times. Even if you cannot be in the house with your pet, you should ensure that it has access to toys and other diversions. Sometimes we perceive that cats are lazy animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playing to pass the time. This is especially important if your cat is alone in your house for long periods of time.
Play is essential to your cat’s life. Really play is something that all mammals share, no matter the age. Older cats might not be quite as energetic as they used to be, but light play can still be fun for them. Playing with your cat will help you to form happy and cherished memories to look back on.
Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. Cats, however, move their tails or sway it side to side for totally different reasons. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. 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.
Try your best not to feed your cat any table scraps, even if you are sure this would be better than throwing the extra food away. Once you feed your cat this type of thing, they will no longer want to eat the cat food that you give them regularly.
If you are bringing a new kitten into a home with one or more cats, purchase an extra litter box so that your other cats do not have to share right away. It may take some time for your established cats to become used to the new scent in the house.
Cats have a very sensitive nose and can easily detect any changes to their environment. When you offer a new feeding bowl, cat condo, or bedding, your cat may resist. The cat may be leery of the new additions at first. Your cat will begin using it as soon as he is used to its smell.
When adopting a cat, consider adopting two. Cats are social creatures, and they prefer to be in the company of other feline friends. Having two will help to keep your kitty occupied, and it can make it easier to take care of your new pet. If owning two is not an option, make sure to spend extra time giving your cat love.
If you are getting a pet, cats are a fantastic choice. For many people, a cat’s presence helps to instill a sense of calm and comfort. But you’ve got to understand how to properly care for your cat. Make use of this article’s excellent advice to improve the level of care you can provide for your cat.
