The decision to own a cat should never be taken lightly. You may think that you are getting an independent animal, but you are getting a lot more. You are getting an opinionated roommate that expects the best! Here are some tips to make sure that you keep your cat happy.
Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.
Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. They will learn your cat’s history best.
Cats love to play so make sure that you provide them with lots of toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is not only fun, it helps them to get exercise too.
You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.
Protect your cat from choking. Be sure to dispose of poultry and fish bones safely. Wrap them in a paper or plastic bag and put them in your outdoor garbage can with the lid tightly secured. Alternately, place them in a plastic bag and freeze them until garbage pick up day.
A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
Attend cat shows for tips about your cat. A cat show only costs a few dollars to attend. But when you attend one, you see vendors selling cat items, and show pet owners that give their cats the best of everything. You can get ideas for best brands to feed your cat, as well as ideas for grooming and caring for your cat.
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.
If your cat has a scratching post that is beginning to look worn, don’t get rid of it. To your cat the post is just right. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
If you’re tempted to load up on litter to cut back on cleanings, think again. Some people believe that the more cat litter they use, the longer they can go between emptying the litter box. Actually, this is a waste of your litter! Many cats refuse to use a litter box with more than 2 inches of litter on the bottom. Some prefer to dig to the bottom of the box before doing their business.
Your kittens don’t want dirty mouths either, so take a toothbrush and clean those gums everyday before breakfast. Without proper brushing, cats can catch diseases, infections, and suffer serious side effects. A few minutes daily keeps these teeth healthy, strong, and sparkling. You should ask a veterinarian how to properly brush your cat’s teeth.
Keeping your cat satisfied is the biggest challenge of any cat owner. A cat is not always easily pleased, so you need to do your best to give them the life they want. The information laid out here can help you to do that, and when your cat is happy you can be happy too.