Cats are marvelous creatures. Eliot described felines as a being that all households are dependent on, and that’s true. A cat enhances any household. Having said that, living with a cat is not necessarily easy. You should keep reading to learn how you can become a better pet owner.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
Keep dangerous chemicals away from your cat. Just like children, cats need to be kept away from items like cleaning materials since they could harm them. These chemicals are basically poison and if your cats consumes some or gets some on them, they could get very sick, get burned, or possibly die. Store these items in a place where your cat can’t find them or use a child-proof lock on their location.
Make sure you have a good pet carrier or basket for transporting your cats from one location to the next. A proper carrier or basket should have enough room for them to turn around in comfortably. It should also be easy to clean. Make sure that it is lined with a blanket, cushion, or towel to help it stay comfortable and cozy for them when traveling.
Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.
Consider those expensive cat litter boxes. There are cat litter boxes now that allow you to have minimal interaction with them. This can be great for anyone who is tired of cleaning a litter box. But be careful, as they may not work as easily as they claim to. If you can, make sure there is a return policy and don’t lose the receipt. You may find you prefer the old-fashioned style!
You should keep wet cat food in the refrigerator after it has been opened. Bring it to room temperature before serving it to your cat, because it will smell more enticing to them and be less likely to cause an upset stomach. If you like, place it in the microwave for a bit to warm it 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.
If you have ever given your cat a bath, then you know how much they shiver when it is over. This is because their wet fur provides them with no insulation. You can help your cat out by using your hairdryer to dry the hair fast. Just remember not to hold it too close and burn your cat.
Carefully consider where you will locate your cats’ litter box. Many cat owners feel inclined to hide the litter box. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. Put a rug under it for cleanliness, too.
Do not leave the door to your washing machine or dryer open if you have cats. This is a place where cats love to crawl and take a nap, but it can be very dangerous. You don’t want to turn on the machine then find out your cat is in there. It will be very frightening for them and it may cause an injury.
Your food isn’t necessarily good for your cat. These include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. If your cat consumes these particular foods, it can get really sick. Milk can also upset your cats’ stomach.
Panting is something that you may encounter with your cat. Panting is quite normal for dogs. Panting can mean your cat is anxious or overheated, but it may also be something very serious. Be sure to call your vet, particularly if your pet has suffered from respiratory issues.
Clean your cat’s litter box. Cats will use litter boxes on instinct if they know where to find it. Let your cat go naturally and don’t manually force it to go by putting it in the box or pushing it to scratch the litter. Keep the box in a private place, scoop its contents on a daily basis and give it a periodic wash.
Feed your kitten a variety of cat foods to avoid a finicky cat later. Pick different textures and different brands on a regular basis and your kitten will learn to enjoy new tastes. This can also avoid feeding problems if your usual brand is no longer available in your area.
Think about having your cat be indoors-only. Outdoor cats die younger and end up sick quite often. Your family could get these too. Make sure that any indoor cat has a location to sit in sunlight.
Even though no two cats are the same, certain breeds are known to possess unique characteristics. For example, bengals and other exotic breeds are notoriously active, especially at night. They have high energy levels and are less cuddly than other domestic cats. Bring home a bengal if you love a unique look and are willing to actively engage your pet.
Cat ownership can be challenging at times, but it is always rewarding. Whether your cat is a lazy ball of fur or an active ball of hair, it needs proper care. You’re going to be hearing your cat purring instead of meowing to get your attention.
