Have you welcomed a cat into your home? If this is the case, you probably care a great deal for it. A cat is a creature that needs a lot of love and care. Thankfully, a bit of knowledge will help you succeed. This article will show you how its done.
If you have outdoor cats, be sure to discourage pests such as coyotes, possums and raccoons by bringing cat food indoors at night. Feed your cats first thing in the morning, and make sure there is no food left at nightfall. This will keep your cats safe from attack and illness.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
Keep your cat’s coat healthy by giving them a supplement of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is an inexpensive supplement that can be found in most health food stores. Simply sprinkle a little bit on your cat’s dry food, or mix it in with their wet food. Not only do they love how it tastes, but it’s full of protein and vitamins that will keep them looking their best!
Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.
When you move your cat from one house to another, be sure to move the cat last. Set up a quiet room with familiar items for the cat. Keep your cat in the room and quiet for a day or two. Visit and feed the cat in the room. After a couple of days, the cat can explore the rest of the house.
Use petting to check on your cat’s health. Petting isn’t just a way for you and your cat to spend time together, but it’s a great way to find anything abnormal on their body. You can pet them to feel for bumps, lumps, or sores. This is also a great time for you to check their ears.
Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. Though, in emergency situations, buying online may not be possible. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.
Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.
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.
When you get a cat for your kids, make sure your kids know the rules in advance. Make sure the children know where the cat is and is not allowed to roam. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.
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.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
If your cat is pregnant, make sure she has plenty of room to give birth. It could take 3-4 hours for every kitten to arrive, so be patient. When six hours passes, get to the vet immediately.
Is your cat really sweet and lovable? If so, they might make a good therapy pet. Pet therapy uses animals to go into places like nursing homes, and bring some joy to the people there. Your cat will be happy with all the attention, and you can feel good about doing something positive for others.
Your cat is a beloved pet that you want to ensure you are taking care of. After reading this, you should have a better idea of how to care for your cat. Remember everything you’ve learned here, as it will go a long way in improving your cat’s quality of life. If you show your furry friend love, it’ll show you the same.
