It isn’t always easy to make a cat happy. Their moods and actions can be quite a mystery. However, with the right tips, it’s easier to handle a cat properly. Here are some tips to make sure your feline friend gets the care he needs.
Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.
Choose a high quality food. The key to a healthy cat starts with nutrition. Take a look at the ingredients label. If you look at most “popular” commercial cat foods, you may be surprised to see the top ingredient listed is corn. Cats are carnivores, so look for a food with a real meat as the top ingredient. You may pay more up front, but these foods are often more nutritionally dense, meaning your cat eats less and the bag lasts longer.
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!
Make sure to keep chemicals and dangerous substances away from your cat. Chemicals like antifreeze have a sweet taste. This encourages the cat to drink it, most often resulting in fatal consequences. Keeping your chemicals locked up in a cabinet will help to ensure that your curious cat does not end up ingesting poison.
If your cat takes all the ornaments off the Christmas tree, don’t fight it. Begin collecting attractive cat toys and unbreakable ornaments to decorate the tree next year. Be sure not to decorate with potentially dangerous items like tinsel and garlands. Tinsel is a choking hazard for cats and garlands can cause strangulation.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
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.
When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Try figuring out why the cat is purring. Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. Pay attention to her cues, and you can understand your cat that much more.
Brush your cat often. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.
You should never punish your cat for not using the litter box. They’re doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. If you attempt to punish your pet, you may cause fear and resentment–and more accidents!
Have patience with your cat. Remember that your cat is not a dog, and may not be as easily trainable as one. However, if you are being clear in your commands and gently encouraging them, you’ll find that your cat responds the way you want him to. Just be patient.
You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.
Play is essential to your cat’s life. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Take time and play with your cat regularly.
Does it seem like cat hair is everywhere? Cats can shed quite a bit; therefore, it’s important that you maintain proper grooming habits by brushing them often. Cats that shed a lot need to be brushed more frequently. This will also help their coat from getting tangled or matted.
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.
Don’t send a declawed cat outdoors for long periods of time. Without claws, the cat cannot defend against other animals, which can lead to real issues. Declaw your cat if you plan on always having it inside. If you do decide to declaw your indoor cat, do not remove the back claws. Don’t cut the back claws because they won’t scratch up your furniture or floors.
The advice you’ve read can help you care for your cat. Make sure you use these tips to make your cat healthy and happy. This will lead to the possibility that your cat will be friendly with you. It could happen!
