Cats, like many other pets, require regular grooming. The grooming methods you use on dogs or other animals won’t necessarily work for your cat. Cats have special requirements, and you must be prepared to make certain accommodations for their care. This article will provide some useful tips on the care of your feline companions.
Be sure to have your pet cat spayed or neutered by the time it is six months old. A spayed or neutered cat is a more satisfactory pet because it is calmer, quieter and more likely to stay home. Neutered male cats do not spray urine to mark their territory. This is definitely a plus when it comes to cat ownership.
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.
Feed your cats proper food. Remember that cats must eat meat. Only give your cats cat food to eat. Do not feed them or let them eat dog food. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs and some of the ingredients in dog food could harm your cat. Feeding your cat dog food for food could also lead to malnourishment, among other issues.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
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.
Do not flush clumpable litter in your toilet. This can lead to problems with your plumbing. Instead just lift the clumps and dispose of them in a trash bag. Don’t forget, moisture is what makes the litter clump in the first place! Avoid doing that to your pipes and just dispose of it properly.
If you going to be gone for more than a day, you should have someone look in on your cat. Leave out plenty of food, but have someone come to make sure it doesn’t run out. If you do not have a neighbor or family to look in on your cat, you can usually find a cat sitter for a few dollars each day.
Cats are great pets, but their litter boxes can be unsightly and have an odor. If you can’t stand the sight of your litter box, then it is time to go shopping. There are many different styles of litter boxes on the market. Some are even disguised as fake potted plants. Not only does it look better, it controls the smell as well.
Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. These breeds are best left to those with the time and energy to do a lot of cleaning. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. Your first instinct may be to hide it away out of sight and out of smelling range. However, your cat’s litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. It helps to make life easy for the cat, as they can be quite picky about things. If the littler box is on cold, hard floor, try placing a rug beneath it.
While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.
If your cat is not getting trained to use the litter box as fast as you would like, there are sprays available that can make things a bit easier. These sprays have a scent that will attract your cat to the box, which means they will be more likely to go there when they need to use the bathroom.
Use aversives to deter your feline friend from going places where it is not allowed. An aversive is anything that creates an undesirable environment for your cat. Examples include shelf paper (sticky side facing upward) and tinfoil. Most cats prefer to avoid these textures at all costs. You can also use carpet tape that has adhesive on both sides.
If your cat is nursing a litter of kittens, it is vital that she have plenty of food and water near her nesting area. Mother cats are very protective, and do not want to leave their kittens for long lengths of time. Your cat can become dehydrated or malnourished just because she does not want to leave her kittens to eat and drink.
A well-cared-for cat is a happy cat. As a cat owner, it’s your job to ensure your pet looks and feels healthy. Any love and care you give your cat is appreciated by them. You should apply the tips you just read to keep your cat happy and healthy.
