Cats are interesting creatures that are great pets. If you own a cat, you must learn as much as possible about caring for your pet so that it can lead a long and happy life. Use the tips that you’re about to read to help you provide the best care.
Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your cat.
Don’t be pushy when you are getting to know your new cat. Cats prefer to be in control and take things at their own pace. Make sure your new cat is comfortable and safe. Let your cat take its time exploring its new environment. When your cat feels at home, it will be more likely to try to make friends with you.
Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. Use some paper towel rolls to tuck loose cords. Cats are drawn to wires and cords, so you should keep them out of sight and out of mind if they are not being used.
Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.
Cats are generally nocturnal. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This will stop them from bothering you at night, and playing with your feet beneath the covers.
Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. After a while, you’ll start to recognize what some of the noises your cats makes mean. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. You should pay attention to these cues and you will eventually learn to decipher them.
Play with your cat. A lot of cat owners don’t do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags and any number of small toys to get your cat moving.
If your cat has recently given birth, be sure she has a safe, private area to take care of them. Mother cats can become frightened by strangers or loud noise, sometimes leading to decreased milk production. They may also hide the kittens in places where you cannot find them, such as closets, or under beds.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.
Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. Grapes, onions and garlic are a few of the food items. If your cat eats these things, they could become very sick. Milk upsets a cat’s stomach, too.
When you are looking to finally adopt a new kitten, but don’t want to spend big bucks on an expensive bloodline, you should investigate your local shelters. Most animal shelters offer dogs and cats that need a home badly, regardless of their heritage or costs.You may be able to find a similar cat with a different cost.
Make sure to provide your cats with toys. Many people consider toys a need for dogs, but they do not feel the same about cats. Cats need stimulation throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Toys can provide this. Keep your cats from boredom by remembering this tip.
Feed your kitten a variety of cat foods to avoid a finicky cat later. Pick different textures and different brands on a regular basis and your kitten will learn to enjoy new tastes. This can also avoid feeding problems if your usual brand is no longer available in your area.
If you have a cat that goes outdoors, consider having him micro chipped. A micro chip will help someone to locate you if they ever find your pet. This is especially important if your pet lands in a shelter, as shelters give pets a limited time if they cannot locate the owner easily.
Make sure you regularly use a flea and tick treatment on your cat. Monthly drops are the best way to go to protect your cat. These particular medications will help prevent harmful ticks and fleas from leeching onto your pet, which can cause many illnesses. Make sure you buy a brand which is specifically for cats to keep him safe.
As you know already, it can be very rewarding to be a cat owner. You must stay educated about cat care if you want your cat to remain healthy. Be sure you thoroughly read over the advice found here in order to do this. Your cat will show you gratitude.
