If you could save a cat’s life, would you? Millions of cats are out there needing a loving home. It only takes some knowledge and commitment to care for a cat. Read here about how to approach the process properly.
If your cat is an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.
Make a free toy for your cat by placing a little dry rice or a few dry beans inside an empty pill bottle. Close the lid and roll the rattly toy across the floor. Most cats can’t resist the sound and motion. You can also tie a length of twine around the neck of the bottle to make a pull toy or a dangly toy.
Play with your cat using proper cat toys. Cats love toys that help them feel like the predators that they think they are. Try sticking with toys that help them dance around or jump. This can also help them use extra energy by pouncing on toys instead of people’s feet.
Get a pet water fountain. Cats can be prone to dehydration, and running water entices them to drink. It is an evolutionary habit that developed because in the wild, running water is less likely to be contaminated than a stagnant pool. Your pet will enjoy the water more, and will drink more often.
To keep your cat healthy and strengthen its bond with you, always set aside lots of play time. Kittens especially need lots of attention, which you can easily give to them through play. Pull a piece of string around for a fun and gentle way to keep a cat entertained for hours!
If you don’t want your cat to scratch up furniture, try filling a small spray bottle with water and spritzing your cat whenever he tries. Cats generally avoid water altogether for reasons no one is sure about, so he will not like this. Eventually he will stop scratching to avoid getting sprayed.
Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. There are special foods that can ease this issue. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.
Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.
Do not try to hold a cat when they are clearly trying to get away. This will not make the cat feel any closer to you and it may prompt them to start avoiding you in the future. Pick the cat up gently and lay him across your lap. If you feel him wiggling to get away, let him go.
If you have more than one cat, you should have as many litter boxes as you have cats. If too many cats have to share the same litter box, it can mean disaster! The cats may choose not to share their eliminating space, instead, using other areas, such as clean laundry or hidden corners of the home to do their business.
If you have more than one cat, it is a good idea for you to give them each their own food bowls. Place them far apart so that each cat has their space. If you provide just one bowl for the cats to share, it may cause larger cats to bully the smaller ones.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
Do not leave the door to your washing machine or dryer open if you have cats. This is a place where cats love to crawl and take a nap, but it can be very dangerous. You don’t want to turn on the machine then find out your cat is in there. It will be very frightening for them and it may cause an injury.
To the greatest extent possible, you’ll want to keep your cat close to you and your house. Cats who stay inside for most of their lives have a much better life span and are less likely to get diseases and parasites. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.
If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Dogs pant as a way to release heat from their bodies. Your cat may pant if it is anxious or overheated, but panting may also indicate a more serious problem. Call your vet, especially if you cat has a history of respiratory problems.
You should be proud that you are giving love to a cat. You’re offering your home and love to an animal that desperately needs it. Your cat and you will having a lifelong bond. Take good care of your cat and cherish the time you spend together.
