Cats are amazing friends and companions. Those new to cat ownership or just interested in cat care should read the following tips. Continue reading for some advice you can use when you live with a cat.
Keep your cat occupied by making your own dangly toys. Using soft cotton rope, cut a length of about two feet. Tie a knot at one end. Tie another knot about three inches from the opposite end. Unravel the rope below this knot. Attach the rope to the back of a kitchen chair for your cat to play.
If your cat is an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.
You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. Flea products especially. Dog flea prevention products will kill your cat. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Do not assume that because a medication is okay for you to take, that it is safe for your cat as well. Many medications made for humans are lethal to cats, such as acetaminophen containing drugs and aspirin. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your cat anything.
Keep an eye on early warning signs of health issues in cats. Cats usually display warning signs if they are struggling with health issues. Some common signs to look out for include eating habit changes, sleeping habit changes, not being able to groom properly, changes in eating habits, changes in sleeping habits, depression, sneezing, increased thirst, watery eyes, changes in behavior, hiding, and vomiting. If they display these symptoms, take them to a vet right away. The sooner you take, them the better.
If your cat is overweight, there are two things you need to do. First, you have to adjust the amount of food you give them, and the other is that you need to get them exercising. Get them cat toys, or play with them yourself, to make sure they are getting the activity they need to slim down.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. This will help prevent any fights that may occur between your animals.
If you have more than one cat, you need more than one litter box. Ideally, each cat should have its own box. This prevents the box from becoming overfilled or crowded. An unappealing shared litter box sometimes causes cats to take their bathroom business elsewhere in your house. As you can imagine, this can be quite a nasty surprise!
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.
Don’t buy a closed litter box without first considering the disadvantages. True, it’s nice that you don’t have to see the contents of the litter box. However, odors tend to build up in closed boxes, making it necessary to clean it more frequently. Covered litter boxes also constrict your cat’s movement, which is a problem for larger pets.
If your cat has a problem with frequent hairballs, he may end up with digestive problems, retching and vomiting. The best way to avoid hairballs is to keep your cat well-groomed, brushing him daily to remove loose hair. Less hair means less hairballs. Another benefit of frequent brushing is that is great for bonding with your cat. Most cats love to be brushed and groomed.
Sometimes, you must take your cat to the vet, and when you do, it can be costly. You can save money on medications by ordering them online. Some companies will even deliver directly to your home. For medications you use frequently, this is a great choice.
Some cats have aversions to certain types of litter. If you find that your cat is not using their litter box, try switching the type of cat litter that you are using. Only do this if there is a problem. Cats do not like change. The cat may stop using the litter box if you change the type of litter you use.
Most cats do not need any training, but they do need to follow the rules of the house. Some cats will scratch the furniture or eat the house plants. With repeated and gentle training, you can teach your cat not to do these things. Cats are very smart and they can learn the rules of the house.
During the cold winter months when your cat goes out less often, keep your cat active indoors with interesting feathered toys and a solid scratching post or two. Rotate the toys regularly to make sure that your cat doesn’t loose interest and continues to be entertained and active until the warmer weather comes around again.
Choosing a cat is an excellent decision. Cats are often a comfort and can also aid in stress relief. However, you need to know the proper way to take care of a cat if you’re going to own one. Following the guidelines you’ve just read will allow you to improve the quality and quantity of your cat’s years.
