Cats aren’t simple to please. Your cat’s actions may mystify you. With the right techniques, you can improve your abilities as an owner. You should keep reading for some useful tips that will help you become a better pet owner.
Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. Whenever cats jump on these cords, they might get tangled up in them. This could kill them. Hide the cords for safety sake.
Check your cat for ticks and fleas every week. If your cat does have fleas, there is a good chance that you also have fleas in your home. You might need some flea bombs or premise-control sprays, along with treating the cat, to get rid of the issue. If you don’t know what products to use for controlling ticks and fleas, talk to your vet for some safe options.
If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.
Refrain from giving your cat any food that is spoiled. This can lead to indigestion and food poisoning, which can cost you a trip to the veterinarian. Always buy your food fresh from the store and be sure to check the expiration date before you feed it to your cat.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. A happy cat is one that has a safe living environment. If you’re averse to cat trees for some reason, a shelf without breakable items will work. The cat will especially enjoy it if you put a blanket on top.
If you want a cat to come your way, it may be a good idea for you to refrain from looking at them. Cats do not like it when people look them directly in the eye, so they tend to go the other way. This is why it seems as if cats always gravitate toward people who are not really fond of animals.
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 are adding a kitten to a household that already contains a dog, it is important to socialize the kitten to the dog at an early age. At first, constant supervision is essential. Let the kitten and dog spend time together while you hold the kitten, letting them explore and get used to each other’s smells. When socialized early, cats and dogs can live happily and peacefully together.
If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. This behavior may be indicative of an infection of the urinary tract or some other issue. A potentially serious illness may be able to be treated by inexpensive antibiotics.
Long-haired cats require more care than their short-haired comrades. Long-haired cats shed constantly, and the fur ends up on your clothing, floors, and everything else in your home. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. There will be hairball issues as well.
Do not place the cat litter box in the same area where you place the bowl your cat eats from. Cats want a clear separation between the two areas, so make sure you give it to them. It is not likely you would want to eat in the same place where you use the bathroom, so give your cat the same courtesy.
If you’re tempted to load up on litter to cut back on cleanings, think again. Some people believe that the more cat litter they use, the longer they can go between emptying the litter box. Actually, this is a waste of your litter! Many cats refuse to use a litter box with more than 2 inches of litter on the bottom. Some prefer to dig to the bottom of the box before doing their business.
Protect your cat and your kid by demonstrating the proper way to show affection for the animal. Few things are more appealing to children than the sight of a soft, fluffy cat, and they might be tempted to hug or squeeze the animal. Instead, teach your child to allow the animal to come to you rather than pursuing it. Tell them to use a light touch and avoid making direct eye contact with the cat
Cat owners sometimes want to bathe their cat. However, bathing a cat is usually not necessary, unless he has had a mishap, or gets overly dirty. Cats are self groomers, with barbed tongues that make for excellent cleaning utensils to rid themselves of any dirt. Cats love to look good just like anyone else!
The advice above will aid you in caring for your cat. These tips will allow you to ensure that your cat is healthy and taken care of. Maybe he’ll even warm up to you. Follow these tips for your best chance of success.