Dogs may be man’s best friend, but cats can make pretty great pets too. Whether your cat is aloof or appreciates a good snuggle, a cat can be a wonderful companion. However, cats aren’t always easy to care for. Here are a few tips on getting the most out of your cat.
If your cat is misbehaving, you can influence its behavior in a safe and humane way by using water. Fill a small squirt gun or a spray water bottle with plain water. Give your cat a few light squirts of water when you catch it misbehaving and it will soon learn to stop doing the unwanted behavior.
To keep your cat happy and healthy, its important to schedule regular visits to the vet. Not only are regular checkups good for catching problems early, but regular visits can insure that your cat keeps up to date on its vaccinations. If you don’t know when the last time your cat had its shots, schedule an appointment for booster shots as soon as possible.
It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. Provide your cat with a few high places it can uses. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.
Cats are pretty low maintenance pets. They do not need as much attention and one-on-one time as dogs do. Cleaning the litter box is one of the most dreaded chores in the house. Investing in a good self-cleaning litter box can help to reduce the amount of times you have to clean it out.
Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. This can be very unsafe for your cat. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. Cars, people, or animals could hurt your beloved pet. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
Understand that cats enjoy being elevated. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.
Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. They prefer encouragement instead. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.
Don’t buy cheap cat food. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats are carnivores, so if you want them to be as healthy as possible, you need to be sure they’re eating enough animal protein.
Cats have an uncanny ability to always find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat to familiarize themselves with the smells of your new place. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
You should try to keep your cat indoors most of the time since there are many things out there that can hurt them. Poison, injury and disease are just a few of the things that can happen to him. If he needs fresh air, open a screened window and allow him to sit there.
Cats have a great sense of smell, which helps them easily grasp changes to their environment. This may cause some problems when introducing new beds, scratching posts, or food dishes. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. Once your cat becomes accustomed to this smell, he or she will begin to like it.
Cats catch illnesses just like you do. Your cat is a member of the family, so you know better than anyone when your cat isn’t feeling well. You should have your vet check out your cat. The vet will be able to make sure that they are not suffering from anything more serious.
Make sure you keep up on flea and tick meds. Monthly medication drops are very good at preventing flea and tick problems. This will prevent toxins and bacteria from affecting your cat. Ensure you select a brand that is specifically meant for cats. Never use a brand meant for dogs because this can be dangerous for your furry feline.
Keep your cat groomed to keep them looking and feeling good. Giving their fur a regular brushing ensures a healthy coat with no matting and less shedding. They will also have fewer hairballs from cleaning their own fur. Clip their claws, but don’t clip them too short, as it may hurt them. A vet can provide assistance if you need help with clipping.
Make sure to stay up to date on the required vaccinations for your kitty. Vaccinations can prevent serious illnesses, and they are very important to your cat’s overall health. Take the time to visit your veterinarian annually to make sure your pet is always up to date and remaining healthy.
In order to maximize the chance that your cat will be returned to you if it gets lost, have a microchip implanted. If you notice your cat’s gone missing, you can hope online and track their location exactly, making it much easier for you and your pet to be reunited.
Living with cats can be frustrating, but it can also be fantastic. Thanks to this article, you should have a lot of ideas on how to better care for your pet. Dog lovers may get more slobbery kisses, but cats are wonderful in their own way. These suggestions will help you appreciate yours.
