There many reasons why cats make great pets. Apart from the affection they give, cats also serve a practical purpose by keeping pests out of the house. Cats are sometimes not given their fair share of credit for keeping homes safer, and keeping undesirable critters off your property.
Small places are spots cats love to get into. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. This can save all “nine” of your cat’s lives.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. Spaying a cat can prevent this.
Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this. You can bundle loose cords into paper towel rolls that are old. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.
Make sure your cat is not too bored. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise. Sometimes, cat owners don’t realize this. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. Give them toys and things to do. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.
Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.
Are you the proud owner of both a cat and dog? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.
Cats love to be high up. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. Putting a soft cat bed on the shelf can help to add a little comfort.
Litter Box
It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. This comes quite naturally to them and is not something that is learned. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. When you bring in a new post, the cat may ignore it.
Purchase good quality food for your cat. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. The main part of a cat’s diet should be meat protein, so his cat food should be mostly real meat.
Let your cat take its time when you add a new cat to your home. In the beginning, they may not seem to get along at all. After the initial period though, they should start to settle and begin to get along like old friends.
Cats need to have play in their life. In fact, play is a common activity for all mammals, including people and cats, no matter their age. Although older cats won’t be as active as younger cats, they still need a little exercise. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.
When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. It will take about three to four hours for all of the kittens to come out, so be patient. You should take your cat to the vet if deliveries lasts for more than five or six hours.
If your feline just won’t use the litter box, try moving it to a different location. A cat will be more inclined to use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet and safe area in your home. A basement, laundry room, or another area that doesn’t experience much household traffic is the ideal spot for the litter box.
Your feline friend should always wear a collar and tags with your name and contact information. Even an indoor cat can get out. If this occurs, you should ensure you do all you can to get your cat back.
Any difference in the environment of your home is easily detected by the keen sense of smell that your cat possesses. This is good but can cause issues when you introduce something new to the home, like a new cat bed or scratching post. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. As the smell takes on the smell of your home, your cat will warm up to it.
Although cats may not be considered man’s best friend like dogs are, they can make excellent household pets. Cats have similar instincts to them, but they have many benefits that dogs don’t. The continuing popularity of the humble house cat is no surprise when one considers all that they’re capable of.
