There is a lot that goes into taking care of a cat. If you’re a first time cat owner, or even if you’ve had a cat for a while, this article can help you out. Read over it carefully and you should have no problem taking better care of your cats.
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.
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.
A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
To keep your cat healthy and strengthen its bond with you, always set aside lots of play time. Kittens especially need lots of attention, which you can easily give to them through play. Pull a piece of string around for a fun and gentle way to keep a cat entertained for hours!
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
Make your own enclosed litter box from a large tote box with a lid. Use a coffee can lid as a pattern to cut a door in one side of the tote. Place the coffee can lid fairly high up on the side of the tote. Trace around it with a permanent marker. Cut out the circle with tin snips or a box cutter. Add litter. Put on the lid.
Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Cats need stimulation. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this important part of ownership. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. Indoor cats will be happier if you provide them with climbing resources and practical things such as scratching posts.
If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.
Should you leave the house with your cat, make sure that she is wearing a collar with tags. This way, if anything happens and you two become separated, anyone can find her and know how to reach you. Your cat may not like the collar all the time, but when she’s out of the house it can save her.
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
Do not try to bathe a kitten that is less than four weeks old. It is not very easy for a young kitten to regulate the temperature of their body. This may result in the kitten getting a chill. To be on the safe side you should wait between 12 and 16 weeks after they are born to bathe them for the first time.
There are a lot of cats that are overweight. An obese cat can end up developing health problems such as arthritis or diabetes. If your cat could stand to lose a pound or two, try cutting back their food a little bit at each feeding. You can also buy some toys and encourage your cat to play and exercise.
If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.
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.
Cats have an uncanny ability to always find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat to familiarize themselves with the smells of your new place. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
Buy a fountain for your cat. Cats have a tendency to not drink enough water. This can leave them dehydrated. They often prefer running water to water sitting out in a bowl. If you suspect your kitty isn’t drinking enough, consider investing in a cat fountain to avoid health problems.
Now you can probably see that there is quite a bit that goes into working with cats. It isn’t difficult, but it can be time consuming. Take everything you’ve gone over here and things won’t be all that difficult for you. Good luck and enjoy taking care of your pet!
