Cats are great pets when you know what it takes to care for them properly. Education on the best way to care for a cat is the most important step in cat ownership. You will love the amount of cat advice that has been provided to you here.
If you have multiple cats, save money on cat dishes by checking your local dollar store for salsa dishes. You can usually get a package of three for a dollar. These are sturdy and come in pretty colors. They look nice in your kitchen, and they are just the right size for cat food.
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.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
If your cat is pregnant, set up a comfortable, safe place for her to have her kittens. A big cardboard box equipped with a pillow and blanket is good. Place it in the back of a closet or other out of the way place. Keep food and water dishes nearby.
Have your cat spayed or neutered. Pet overpopulation is a growing problem, with millions of homeless cats and kittens euthanized every year. Besides the problem of too many kittens and not enough homes, unfixed cats can have a multitude of behavior problems. Males who are not neutered at a young age often start spraying to mark their territory, and females who are allowed to come into heat yowl incessantly as they try to escape to find a mate. Kittens can begin to breed as early as 4 months of age, so get your new kitten spayed or neutered as soon as possible.
Feed your cats proper food. Remember that cats must eat meat. Only give your cats cat food to eat. Do not feed them or let them eat dog food. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs and some of the ingredients in dog food could harm your cat. Feeding your cat dog food for food could also lead to malnourishment, among other issues.
Wash your cat’s bed at least once a week to remove all of the bacteria from it. Even if the bed looks like it is clean, it will usually have toxins in it that can cause your pet to become sick. Replace the bed every six months to keep your cat in a sanitary environment.
Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. The bones of a cat are weaker than a dogs, therefore, they should be handled with care.
When bringing a new kitten home, take it slow. It is tempting for children to want to play with the new addition to your home immediately. But the young cat will likely be scared. Give the cat time to acclimate itself to your home and to get comfortable with everyone.
Brush your cat at regular times. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.
If a cat urinates often or in odd places, it should probably go see the vet. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. Certain antibiotics prescribed by your vet can clear up the problem.
There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.
Playtime is important for kittens as well as older cats. The best games are those that involve hunting and chasing. Try to think like your cat, choosing toys like feathers on string. The cat is attracted to the movement of the toy, so he will love to chase it if you pull it along without him seeing you. It is important to let your pet win occasionally, to keep him interested.
Has your cat stopped using its litter box? If so, consider moving the box into another location. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. Great suggestions include your basement and laundry room.
There is no need to bathe a cat since they are able to do most of their cleaning by themselves. The only way that you should bathe a cat is if there is something on their coat that has not come off for a good length of time, like oil and chemicals.
As long as you commit to giving it the proper care, a cat can be a terrific pet. If you’re going to own a cat and be responsible about it you should reread this article and use the information that is in it. As long as you put this knowledge to you, your cat will love you every day.
