Now that you have a cat in your home, what are you going to do with him? Cats can be mysterious creatures, so you aren’t ever sure how to handle them. You might not be able to make them happy, but you can make sure that you’re taking care of them. Here are some tips to help you.
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 will try to get into many different crevices. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. This could save your cat’s life!
If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.
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.
Your cat might not come running when you call, but most cats enjoy cuddling on their terms and time. Cats love to have their heads and backs pet. Not all cats like their tummies rubbed so be careful. Spending quality time with your cat will make lasting memories to look back on someday.
Save your furniture with scratching posts and pads. It is natural for cats to want to stretch their claws out and scratch. This does not mean that a cat owner must have damaged furniture. Provide your cat with places that it is okay to scratch and redirect them there if they decide to try out your sofa. Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and materials and some cats prefer a particular type so it may take some trial and error before you find the right combination for your kitty.
Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also be a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome “deposits” in neighbor’s gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.
If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Let them know which rooms and areas your cats should not be in. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.
Use your cat to teach your children responsibilities. A pet demands care that the whole family can participate in. Each child can take different day to feed the cat, for instance. Same thing for litterbox care. You can make a schedule and post it on the refrigerator. Then, everyone knows what they are responsible for.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Let your cat get comfortable using a carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. This will teach your cat that the carrier is a good thing. In the future, your cat will not get scared when you put him in the carrier.
If you just own one cat but are considering obtaining another one, then you should ensure you allow a few weeks for your old cat and new one to become familiar with each other. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
Buy a pet drinking fountain to prevent dehydration. Cats are attracted to running water, so a pet drinking fountain may help to encourage your cat to drink more. Proper hydration can cure and prevent a large number of feline health problems. Therefore, a pet drinking fountain could improve the health of your cat and reduce vet bills.
Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you must make some changes, it would be a good idea to do them gradually.
Even if you aren’t sure how you can make your cat happy, or figure out how to make them purr, you can take care of him. The tips laid out here will help you to make sure that you’ve done everything you can to care for your cat. Happiness is more elusive.
