Having a cat can be a rewarding experience. They are smart, gorgeous animals that don’t take much work, as far as having pets go. However, they still require attention and care in order to stay healthy and satisfied. Here are some cat care tips to help you with this great pet.
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.
Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor cat.
Cats and electrical cords don’t mix. If you notice your cat has a habit of chewing on electric cords, try to bundle them up and hide them out of the cat’s reach. If that’s not possible, spray a little bit of bitter apple onto the cords. Not only is bitter apple non-toxic, cats absolutely hate the taste.
When you move your cat from one house to another, be sure to move the cat last. Set up a quiet room with familiar items for the cat. Keep your cat in the room and quiet for a day or two. Visit and feed the cat in the room. After a couple of days, the cat can explore the rest of the house.
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!
When training a cat, take the proper approach. Encouragement works better than anger. If you are trying to teach a kitten to use a litterbox, for instance, yelling will only frighten a small cat. When the cat starts to go outside the box, gently place them in the box so they learn.
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.
The chances are good that your cat will come running for their favorite treat. There are many different recipes out there specifically for homemade cat treats. This is a fun way to spoil your cat. There is also the benefit of knowing what exactly your cat is consuming, to ensure that it is healthy for them.
Have patience with your cat. Remember that your cat is not a dog, and may not be as easily trainable as one. However, if you are being clear in your commands and gently encouraging them, you’ll find that your cat responds the way you want him to. Just be patient.
Rotate the variety of food you feed your cat. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.
Clean your cat’s eyes as frequently as possible because their vision is extremely important and extremely sensitive. Cats interpret five times as much visual stimuli during their day and the smallest particle can become stuck and cause damage. A pair of thumbs and a damp cloth are perfect for clearing the eyes and keeping your cat clean.
You do not have to spend a bunch of cash on fancy toys for your cat to play with. Simple things like feathers and string are great for them to play with, and they are very economical. While you can still buy fancy toys if you like, you may get more benefit from them than your cat does.
If your cat is diabetic, check his blood sugar at least once a day. Having a record of his blood sugars can provide you with helpful information to pass on to your vet. Your vet can then adjust insulin and other medications accordingly. This can also help you to determine how food is effecting your cat’s health condition.
Avoid leaving your cat outside when the weather looks bad. This extends to windy, cold and rainy conditions. Cats will seek hiding places in such weather, and they might try to hide under a car hood. It is possible the cat could be lost or killed during severe weather, so be sure to take good care of them.
Most cats love to spend time outdoors, but indoor-only cats rarely enjoy this opportunity. While it’s not safe to allow your indoor cat to roam freely outdoors, there are other options. For example, you can use a leash and harness to take your pet outdoors. It’s a rare sight, but it certainly isn’t impossible. You are most likely to be successful if you start leash training as a kitten.
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.
After reading this article, you now have an idea of what your cat needs to remain a happy feline. Just put the tips in this article into your daily practice, and you will discover that your cat is even easier to take care of. Then, you will have even more time to enjoy your cat.
