Owning a cat is a lot of fun. Make no mistake, though: Being a responsible cat owner involves putting in quite a bit of effort. As the owner of a cat, you have many very important obligations to your pet. This article list some tips and responsibilities that a good cat owner should know. Keep reading to learn all you can.
Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. This will help you save your cat’s life.
Prevent your cat from chewing on electrical cords by spraying bitter apple on them. If that doesn’t work, cover those cords up however you can. Use some paper towel rolls to tuck loose cords. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.
It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off the counter.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats require physical activity. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Bored cats will quickly wreck your home or become obese. Therefore, ensure your cat has enough space for exercising and playing. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. They are social creates which need reassurance. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Food with a low magnesium content will help. Check the ingredients list on the label. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.
If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!
Younger children can be a little rough with cats sometimes. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Keep in mind that a cat’s bones are much more fragile than a dog’s.
Try to figure out why your cat meows. The more time you spend with your cat, the better you’ll understand what its meows mean. It could be she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.
Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This can also prevent unnecessary arguments between your pets over the water supply, once the food has been consumed.
Cat Owners
Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. You may think it’s something you can take care of on your own, but other people that own cats could help. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.
Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Cats are better trained by using patient encouragement. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. In time, the cat will head inside and be happy. This makes transporting much easier.
Don’t use products with phenol in a house with a cat. Lysol, for example, has many harmful agents that can harm your cat. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.
Don’t give a cat medicine that is intended for humans. If your cat needs medication, then you should take your cat to the vet. Providing your cat with a human medication can seriously harm them, and it just might kill them.
Cats have a great sense of smell, which allows them to be more perceptive. 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. You cat will adjust as the smells of the new items as they become a regular part of his daily routine.
As this article has told you before, there is a lot to gain in owning a cat. However, if you’re wishing for a good life for your pet, you need to learn to care for it well. Take heed of the advice you’ve just been given if you’re going to bring a kitty home.
