Now that you have a cat in your home, what are you going to do with him? Cats can be mysterious creatures, so you aren’t ever sure how to handle them. You might not be able to make them happy, but you can make sure that you’re taking care of them. Here are some tips to help you.
Watch the amount of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you do give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a regular routine.
Keep your cat occupied by making your own dangly toys. Using soft cotton rope, cut a length of about two feet. Tie a knot at one end. Tie another knot about three inches from the opposite end. Unravel the rope below this knot. Attach the rope to the back of a kitchen chair for your cat to play.
Keep the litter box clean. Cats are naturally very clean animals, and a dirty litter box will have your cat looking for alternative places to relieve himself. Cats also value their privacy, so try to locate the box in an area that does not get a lot of foot traffic.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. There are special foods that can ease this issue. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
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 have both a dog and a cat? Dogs love to eat cat food! That’s why you should place your cat’s food in a place which is hard for your dog to reach. That also means they don’t fight about water after eating the food.
If you notice that your cat is not using the litter box as much as usual, you should go and take them to a vet right away. There are several health problems that can cause the cat to stop using the box. These issues include bladder problems, constipation and diarrhea.
To make sure your kitten is properly socialized to humans, begin early in his life, about ten to twelve weeks of age. Be sure that he is handled and petted by humans in his family and by others as well. When he is older, he will be a calmer, friendlier cat.
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.
Keep a collar with ID on your cat. Even an indoor pet should have this. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. The identification tags should contain your home phone number and the number for your veterinarian. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.
Buy a fountain for your cat. Cats have a tendency to not drink enough water. This can leave them dehydrated. They often prefer running water to water sitting out in a bowl. If you suspect your kitty isn’t drinking enough, consider investing in a cat fountain to avoid health problems.
Search your home for gaps or holes prior to bringing in a new cat. Cats can fit into very small spaces. Be especially careful with kittens. Be especially careful about this if you’re bringing a cat home for the first time. Make immediate repairs on any holes that you locate.
Cat owners do like to keep their cats well-groomed and clean by bathing them. Fortunately, you don’t have to bathe your feline very often. The only exception is if the animal gets into something particular sticky or gooey. Cats constantly clean themselves with their barbed tongues, which is usually sufficient to remove run-of-the-mill dirt. Cats are really picky about how they look.
Spaying or neutering your cat is one of the most responsible actions you can take in your career as a pet owner. Cats tend to be very curious. Even a happy indoor cat will attempt to get outside. Even if it is only out for a few hours, your cat could end up pregnant. Overpopulation is a huge problem among cats today.
When caring for your cat, make sure to trim his nails on a regular basis. Many cats end up in shelters every year because owners become angry when they scratch furniture and flooring. If you keep your cats nails trimmed, this will be less of a problem. Invest in a good pair of nail clippers, and use them on a weekly basis.
Even if you aren’t sure how you can make your cat happy, or figure out how to make them purr, you can take care of him. The tips laid out here will help you to make sure that you’ve done everything you can to care for your cat. Happiness is more elusive.
