Cats are naturally curious. They can get by on their own but still enjoy the company of humans. Though your cat may confuse you, nothing beats him or her sitting on your lap, purring. Here are some great ideas to help you with your furry friend.
Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. They can scratch the post instead. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.
Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. This can lead to a big clean-up. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.
Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. Young children are not yet mature enough to realize what behaviors are dangerous to a cat. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.
Cats enjoy heights. Make sure your cat has a safe place to play. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Additionally, you can place a bed or blanket in this space.
Cat Owners
Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. Although you may feel like you don’t need help, other owners may be able to give you good advice. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.
Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Certain techniques, such as rubbing the paws of your cat in the litter could actual traumatize your cat.
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. They respond better to encouragement. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat’s usual haunts. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.
Don’t throw away your cat’s old scratching post. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.
If you’re adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
If a cat urinates often or in odd places, it should probably go see the vet. It could be an indication of a serious health problem. Some inexpensive antibiotics can clear up a potentially dangerous illness.
Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunities to play. Many animals like to play, and that includes humans and cats. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Take time and play with your cat regularly.
Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. Your cat needs these periodic checks and particular immunizations in order to stay healthy. Please consider your cat as a family member, and take good care of them.
Use a cat collar that gives name, address, and phone number info. The cat may get out if it has a chance to, even house cats do this. It is important that you provide a way that they can get back home if that should happen.
Cats aren’t easy to understand, but they sure are loving. Let the suggestions in this article help you to make their lives more comfortable. By properly caring for your cat, you can help ensure that he is a happy cat.