There are so many joys you can get from just having a cat. You also have to realize that having your own cat is hard work. As the owner of a cat, you have many very important obligations to your pet. This article can help you see what they are. Keep reading and discover valuable tips that will improve your pet ownership experience.
Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.
Don’t use dog portions for your cat. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. This will especially be true if it’s a product for fleas. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.
Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the cardboard rolls that are used for paper towels. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.
Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.
Keep your cat away from boredom. Cats require physical activity. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Give them toys they can play with, play with them yourself, or at the least give them room to exercise. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.
Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. If your cat is keeping you up at night, you should close the door to your bedroom. You won’t be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.
Cat Outside
Consider all the options before you let your cat be an outdoors cat. Letting your cat outside greatly increases his risk level. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.
Do you have both a cat and dog? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. Because of this, you should make the place that your cat food is in higher up so that the dog cannot reach it. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.
When something seems amiss with your feline friend, speak with other cat owners. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. The Internet has many cat forums where you can ask your questions, or simply speak with your vet.
You should not train your cat to use a litter box. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.
If you wish to add another cat to your home, give it a couple weeks for your old cat and your new cat to grow accustomed to each other. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.
Is cat hair getting into everything you own? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. How often and how much your cat sheds can give you a good idea of how often he need to be brushed. Brushing can help prevent their fur from matting or tangling.
Keep your cat healthy, and ensure him a longer life, by keeping him up-to-date on his vaccinations and health check-ups. It is especially important that you get good vet care for kittens so they get all the shots they need. Treat your cat as if it were a member of the family.
You should never give a cat medication that is for humans. If your cat is sick, take it to the veterinarian and use the medication recommended. Providing your cat with a human medication can seriously harm them, and it just might kill them.
As you read, having a pet cat can be very beneficial. However, you must properly care for your cat in order for both of you to be happy. Take heed of the advice you’ve just been given if you’re going to bring a kitty home.