Owning a cat can be be very rewarding. They make very comforting pets. However, there is also a lot of hard work that goes into being a cat owner. The article below has some great tips on how you can take proper care of your cat. Read on and learn.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. Sadly, many cat owners do not understand the importance of this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.
Look online for cat medicine. If it’s an emergency, buying online may not be an option. If you regularly need to buy pet medication, you can get a savings of up to 50 percent online.
When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. You need to establish some clear rules for your pet and ask everyone to follow them.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
Do not try to hold a cat when they are clearly trying to get away. This will not make the cat feel any closer to you and it may prompt them to start avoiding you in the future. Pick the cat up gently and lay him across your lap. If you feel him wiggling to get away, let him go.
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.
If you are adding a kitten to a household that already contains a dog, it is important to socialize the kitten to the dog at an early age. At first, constant supervision is essential. Let the kitten and dog spend time together while you hold the kitten, letting them explore and get used to each other’s smells. When socialized early, cats and dogs can live happily and peacefully together.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. Do not expect an instant friendship. Instead, look for them to hide frequently, hiss and possibly even become physical with each other. But, eventually, they will get used to the idea, and begin to tolerate, and even enjoy, each other’s company.
Does it seem like cat hair is everywhere? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. If your cat is a big shedder, you definitely want to brush him often. Brushing will also keep their coat in good shape.
If you have more than one cat, you need more than one litter box. Ideally, each cat should have its own box. This prevents the box from becoming overfilled or crowded. An unappealing shared litter box sometimes causes cats to take their bathroom business elsewhere in your house. As you can imagine, this can be quite a nasty surprise!
Your food isn’t necessarily good for your cat. In part, these include garlic, onions and grapes. If your cat eats these things then it can become ill or even die. Milk can also end up giving your cat an upset stomach.
If possible, clip your cat’s toenails once weekly. If the nails grow too long, your pet cannot retract the claws. This causes your pet to experience discomfort. Regular trimmings also prevent the claws from snagging carpet fibers, clothing, and other fabrics. If you cannot do this, you should at least provide scratching toys and posts for your cat.
If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds, choose foods that help the animal to feel full. If the cat acts like it is hungry all the time, you will be tempted to feed (and overfeed) it. Look for cat foods that contain higher amounts of protein and fiber. This also promotes a healthy digestive system, which contributes to weight loss.
Make sure your indoor cat has something to occupy him while you are gone during the day. While your furry friend will spend a lot of time sleeping, he also needs something, or someone, to play with and stimulate his mind. Leaving him without toys or the company of others can quickly turn him into a trouble maker who destroys your house.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, there are many benefits to owning a cat for a pet. However, if you want your cat to live a long and healthy life, you must take proper care of it. Be sure and use the tips mentioned so that your cat remains happy and healthy.
