Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, loved by millions of people. By learning how to properly care for a cat, you can ensure that they remain healthy. Read on to find out how to care for him.
Cats are constantly grooming themselves, and this is why they rarely need a bath. If your cat gets into something particularly stinky, a bath will not hurt them. If your cat does not like water you might want to wear gloves so that you do not get scratched. You might also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.
If your cat is misbehaving, you can influence its behavior in a safe and humane way by using water. Fill a small squirt gun or a spray water bottle with plain water. Give your cat a few light squirts of water when you catch it misbehaving and it will soon learn to stop doing the unwanted behavior.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
Make sure to keep chemicals and dangerous substances away from your cat. Chemicals like antifreeze have a sweet taste. This encourages the cat to drink it, most often resulting in fatal consequences. Keeping your chemicals locked up in a cabinet will help to ensure that your curious cat does not end up ingesting poison.
Get a scratching post to keep your cat from tearing up your carpet. If you can, get a post that does not have the same type of carpet that is on the floor of your home, so your cat doesn’t associate the two. Instead, get a post that is covered in cardboard, sisal, or thick rope.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.
Give cat box liners a try. These may not work for everyone, but they can be helpful if they work for you. Line the litter box with one of these liners, and then put cat litter in as usual. If it works correctly, you should be able to gather the liner and dispose of the litter. Unfortunately, sometimes cats just scratch the liner to pieces as they are doing their business.
Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. You can find online cat forums to ask questions, or you can speak with your vet.
If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Feed canned food to your cat. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. Canned foods are also richer in fat, proteins and will help hydrate your cat. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. Go ahead and talk to your vet, but canned food is favorable for cats.
Cats have an uncanny ability to always find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat to familiarize themselves with the smells of your new place. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
It is a misconception that cats should drink milk or cream after they are weaned. Once a kitten is weaned from its mother’s milk, it no longer needs milk of any kind. In fact, milk or cream can cause digestive problems when given to an adult cat. So, to be on the safe side, skip the milk, and offer your pets lots of clean water instead.
When introducing a new cat to your home, make sure that your other pets have time to adjust. You will want to give the new cat extra attention, but it is important to keep up established routines with your other pets. Allow the new cat to explore its new home while you care for your other pets.
This article has given you some great tips on how to deal with cats. They can cause damage to your yard or attack your pets. It takes a certain level of basic preparation and know-how to handle a cat properly. It is possible to form an attachment with a feral cat and make him your pet.
