If you are seeking an excellent house pet, then a cat is an excellent choice. However, if you’re new to cat ownership, you may want to read the paragraphs below. Below are some excellent suggestions that will help any cat owner coexist with their furry pal.
Make sure to keep your cat’s litter box clean at all times. Most cats do not like to use a dirty litter box, much like you would not want to use a dirty toilet. Scoop it at least once a day. Empty and give it a good cleaning once a week or more if needed.
Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.
Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.
Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.
If your cat tends to be antisocial and anxious with company, try giving it a catnip toy a few hours before company arrives. Many cats become very mellow when exposed to catnip. Even if your cat does not want to socialize after catnip exposure, it will probably be happier and less anxious.
Keep an eye on early warning signs of health issues in cats. Cats usually display warning signs if they are struggling with health issues. Some common signs to look out for include eating habit changes, sleeping habit changes, not being able to groom properly, changes in eating habits, changes in sleeping habits, depression, sneezing, increased thirst, watery eyes, changes in behavior, hiding, and vomiting. If they display these symptoms, take them to a vet right away. The sooner you take, them the better.
If your cat is overweight, there are two things you need to do. First, you have to adjust the amount of food you give them, and the other is that you need to get them exercising. Get them cat toys, or play with them yourself, to make sure they are getting the activity they need to slim down.
Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Check the label. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don’t force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he’ll get the idea that it’s there for a reason!
Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Put the right amount of cat litter in the litter box. Some people try to get out of cleaning the box by putting too much litter in there. Cats don’t like walking on sand dunes! Two inches or so should be sufficient for the cat’s needs, and you just have to be vigilant about cleaning the box out.
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.
If your cat has recently given birth, be sure she has a safe, private area to take care of them. Mother cats can become frightened by strangers or loud noise, sometimes leading to decreased milk production. They may also hide the kittens in places where you cannot find them, such as closets, or under beds.
If you are expecting a child, this is more than enough reason for you to have your pet spayed or neutered. Some cats get very aggressive when they see little ones in the house. After having this procedure done it is less likely for your cat to do anything to harm the baby.
A cat can make a great pet. They can really be comforting. But, you must understand proper cat care in order to have a happy animal. Be sure to build a healthy relationship by using the above advice.
