A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. Try using the same vet during your cat's life. This also allows the vet to become more familiar with your cat's unique health needs and personality.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. A breakaway collar let's go if pulled on tightly. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.
If you own a female cat, it's crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Spaying a cat can prevent this.
Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.
Little kids shouldn't be left alone near cats. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. A cat's bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.
Create a tablecloth for the feline. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. 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.
When you get a cat for your kids, make sure your kids know the rules in advance. Make sure your children are aware of rooms that are open to your cat. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.
A battered appearance isn't a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. It's in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.
Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. This applies even to indoor cats. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that's open invites exploration. Tags should include contact information for you and your vet. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.
Your kitty's litter box should be strategically placed. It is tempting to place it out of sight, in order to avoid the image of it or smells that go along with dirty litter. However, it's important to make sure your cat can easily access its litter box. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn't off-putting or inconvenient. If the litter box is kept on a cement floor, then place a rug or mat underneath it.
When dogs are excited or happy, they will wag their tails when they see their owners. A cat may look like it is wagging its tail, but it is completely different than what a dog does. Cats wag tails if they sense conflict, or if they're trying to decide whether to fight or flee. It's especially important to keep an eye on your cat's tail when you're holding it. If you see it start to move, it's time to put your pet down before you wind up getting scratched!
Many foods that are fine for humans are not good to give to your cat. Examples of problem foods include garlic, green tomatoes, onions and grapes. These items can make your cat very ill. Milk upsets a cat's stomach, too.
If you adopted a cat while you were unemployed and it is now time for you to return to work, your cat may get very lonely around the house. In order to prevent them from becoming too lonely whenever you're away, consider adopting a second cat.
Overfeeding your cat can dramatically affect its future health. Eating a lot more than normal can lead to your cat becoming obese and developing a serious illness. Therefore, ensure you provide the proper food portions to your cat, and keep its diet healthy and well balanced.
You cat should wear a collar with tags. Cats are curious, and they will naturally try to go outside if they can. The collar and tag will make it easier for them to get home.
Any time you bring a new pet home, it can be upsetting to your pet cat. To avoid the stress and possible altercations, separate the animals for a period of time. Allow your cat to get familiar with the new smell. In time, it will be easier to gradually introduce the new animal to the cat.
After you read these tips, you will be able to outsmart your cat easily. Before long, your cat will understand what they can and can't do in your house. Although it may be difficult to train a cat, in actuality they are just as likely to be well-behaved and trained as your typical dog.
