The care and companionship you provide for your cat can improve its quality of life. In some cases, it can even save a life! Countless numbers of felines are just waiting for a place to call home. The first step is adopting, and the second is learning to care for it.
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.
Check your cat for ticks and fleas every week. If your cat does have fleas, there is a good chance that you also have fleas in your home. You might need some flea bombs or premise-control sprays, along with treating the cat, to get rid of the issue. If you don’t know what products to use for controlling ticks and fleas, talk to your vet for some safe options.
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.
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!
Check your cats ears frequently for ear mites. You may notice your cat shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot if they have them. They are tiny parasites that look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. If you have more than one cat, they can also travel from cat to cat. See a vet before using any medication on them since their ears need properly cleaned first.
Avoid letting your cat get bored. Your cat needs plenty of exercise. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Therefore, ensure your cat has enough space for exercising and playing. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.
Adore your cat! They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
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!
It is important to only feed your kitten food specifically made for kittens. Kitten food contains more fat and protein to help keep your growing cats body healthy. Adult cat food is leaner and is not specially formulated the same way as the kitten food. Your kitten will grow really fast in a short time-frame, so it is important that they eat right.
Is your cat constantly destroying your toilet paper? Make sure that your bath tissue is stopping it from rolling over the top. You can also make or buy a toilet paper cover. These covers are not expensive and will save you money if your furry friend insists on playing with your tissue.
Cats are pretty low maintenance pets. They do not need as much attention and one-on-one time as dogs do. Cleaning the litter box is one of the most dreaded chores in the house. Investing in a good self-cleaning litter box can help to reduce the amount of times you have to clean it out.
Try and figure out why kitty is meowing. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. The cat may want something to eat or to get let out. Watch their cues to learn more about them.
Brush your cat’s fur regularly. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. It will also minimize hair loss. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.
Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Place the open carrier in an area that your cat visits often and outfit it with a favorite toy and blanket. In time, the cat will head inside and be happy. This will make getting the cat inside easier later.
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.
Being a good cat owner is something to take pride in. You’ve given a good home to an animal in need. The bond you have with your cat will last a lifetime. Give your time and affection to your cat, and it is almost certain that you will receive the same in return.
