Few animals give a pet owner more satisfaction than the feline. They are smart, funny and have a level of arrogance to compete with some of the most conceded humans there are! Most of all though, cats need love and attention. The following article offers tips on caring for your feline friend.
Choose a high quality food. The key to a healthy cat starts with nutrition. Take a look at the ingredients label. If you look at most “popular” commercial cat foods, you may be surprised to see the top ingredient listed is corn. Cats are carnivores, so look for a food with a real meat as the top ingredient. You may pay more up front, but these foods are often more nutritionally dense, meaning your cat eats less and the bag lasts longer.
Play with your cat using proper cat toys. Cats love toys that help them feel like the predators that they think they are. Try sticking with toys that help them dance around or jump. This can also help them use extra energy by pouncing on toys instead of people’s feet.
Cats are constantly grooming themselves, and this is why they rarely need a bath. If your cat gets into something particularly stinky, a bath will not hurt them. If your cat does not like water you might want to wear gloves so that you do not get scratched. You might also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member.
Keeping cats from a counter really can be tough. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. One way to nip this problem in the bud is to give your cat a dedicated perch of their own as an alternative to using your space. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.
Avoid letting your cat get bored. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. If your cat is bored, it might develop a depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors or ruin some of your furniture. You need to give it new toys regularly and make sure your cat has plenty of space to run and play. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.
Is your cat constantly munching on your house plants? If so there is a fix for this. Growing oat grass or catnip yourself can help entice your cats away from your plants. Giving them plants that they can eat and like will help draw them to those plants over and over again.
Take your cat to the vet periodically. A lot of cat owners tend to avoid the vet because it can be harder to get a cat ready to go anywhere she does not want to go! It is also easy to avoid the vet because cats seem so self-reliant. However, it’s smart to get your cat to the vet to avoid any problems.
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!
When your cat is riding with you in your car, ensure you keep their ears in mind. You may love belting out your favorite tunes as you drive on the freeway, but your cat probably enjoys softer sounds. To keep your cat calm and collected over the course of your trip, keep the stereo low – or perhaps off entirely.
Cats like to chase birds and catch them. This helps cats to build and deliver crucial hunting skills. But what if you have an indoor cat? You can find cat toys at the pet store that will help you simulate a bird flying around. Your cat will love it, and love you for it.
Cats love high spots. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.
If you want a cat that is well-behaved and not prone to biting and scratching, make sure that you do not try to adopt one when it is too young. It takes 12-16 weeks for a kitten to learn proper cat behavior from their mom and all of their siblings.
You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.
It is important to make sure that your cat always has fresh water available. You should refill your cats water dish everyday with clean water. There are drinking fountains that provide your cat with a constant stream of fresh water, so you do not have to worry about changing it as often.
Cats have a certain way about them which really can’t be described with words. To own one though, surely is to love one! Hopefully this article has helped you in your quest to learn more about cats and taking care of them. They are amazing companions and you should enjoy yours for many years to come.
