A lot of people think that cats are not as affectionate as dogs, but that is simply not true. Your cat can be a wonderful friend to you, and any cat owner knows that. You just need to know how to properly care for this wonderful animal. Here are some effective ways to care for your cat.
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.
Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. This will help you save your cat’s life.
You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. You can bundle loose cords into paper towel rolls that are old. Whenever you aren’t using any thin, electronic cords, you should store them away.
Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.
You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. This means that they will usually be quite active at night. If your cat’s activities are keeping you awake at night, try keeping your bedroom door shut. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.
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!
Is your cat constantly destroying your toilet paper? Make sure that your bath tissue is stopping it from rolling over the top. You can also make or buy a toilet paper cover. These covers are not expensive and will save you money if your furry friend insists on playing with your tissue.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.
Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Cats never respond to punishment the way that dogs do. Cats usually respond well to encouragement. Inside the carrier, put a favorite toy and blanket. Leave it open in an area the cat will see. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. It’s a much easier way to get the cat in.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
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!
Once your cat starts to age, they may have to go to the vet more often than they did before. To make sure that your senior cat is in optimal health, you should take him to see the vet at least twice a year. Make sure that you follow any advice given to you during the visit.
If your cat seems excessively thirsty, take him to the veterinarian to get him checked out. Excessive thirst is a common symptom of diabetes in cats, and this often missed diagnosis can cause serious complications if left untreated. Always keep a close eye on your furry friend’s water intake, and if you are concerned get him to the doctor to have a look.
Even if your cat stays inside full time, a tagged collar is a good idea. Cats are intelligent and may escape at any time if you’re not careful. If your pet is wearing a tag and collar, it’ll be easy for anyone who finds it outside to bring it back to you.
Make sure you regularly use a flea and tick treatment on your cat. There are plenty of drops that will easily take care of the problem. These kinds of medications will help your cat be free from parasites that suck blood from the pet and can lead to diseases. Purchase a flea and tick medication made especially for cats.
Caring for a cat can take some time and patience, as cats will typically express pleasure and displeasure about the way things are going. However, the information here can help you to care for your cat in an effective way that keeps you both happy. Your friendship can last for years to come.
