Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

Now that you have a cat in your home, what are you going to do with him? Cats can be mysterious creatures, so you aren't ever sure how to handle them. You might not be able to make them happy, but you can make sure that you're taking care of them. Here are some tips to help you.



Watch the amount of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you do give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a regular routine.



Good grooming is important for cats. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis. This will keep your cat's coat clean. This will also reduce things like shedding and hairballs because it keeps them from having extra hair. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.



If you absolutely must bathe a cat, set everything up in advance. Set up two tubs large enough to dunk a cat. Fill them with comfortably warm water. Set your open bottle of cat shampoo, a heavy towel, and a secure pet carrier close by. Wear heavy rubber gloves. Grasp your cat by the scruff of the neck. Dunk, shampoo and scrub quickly in one tub. Dunk to rinse in the second tub. Wrap the cat securely in http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/inner-west/how-to-protect-your-dog-or-cat-from-ticks/news-story/70320ffeeec94ff880acc0509fc26c25 and place in the carrier to dry.



Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.



Get your cat a breakaway collar. Make sure it has tags that reflect a phone number, even if you are uncomfortable with an address. Cats can run outdoors or slip away, and you don't want to worry that you'll never see your cat again. Make sure that there is adequate information so you can be reached.



Feed a kitten proper food. A developing kitten survives exclusively on their mother's milk for the first four weeks, a commercial formula if the mother isn't around. When moving to regular food, feed them specially formulated kitten food until they reach maturity at the age of one. Kittens need plenty of protein while they are developing.



If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.



Think hard before allowing your cat outside. There are many dangers to your cat outside. It takes mere minutes for your cats to pick up fleas, be bitten by a tick or something far worse. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. Let your cat go out in your backyard and play on your lawn.



Attend cat shows for tips about your cat. A cat show only costs a few dollars to attend. But when you attend one, you see vendors selling cat items, and show pet owners that give their cats the best of everything. You can get ideas for best brands to feed your cat, as well as ideas for grooming and caring for your cat.



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.



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 mouse click the up coming document on both sides.



If possible, clip your cat's toenails once weekly. If the nails grow too long, your pet cannot retract the claws. This causes your pet to experience discomfort. Regular trimmings also prevent the claws from snagging carpet fibers, clothing, and other fabrics. If you cannot do this, you should at least provide scratching toys and posts for your cat.




<img src="http://www.maxizoo.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Health-Check-Poster-496x701.jpg" />



Is your cat really sweet and lovable? If so, they might make a good therapy pet. Pet therapy uses animals to go into places like nursing homes, and bring some joy to the people there. Your cat will be happy with all the attention, and you can feel good about doing something positive for others.



The advice above will aid you in caring for your cat. You should do your best to look after your cat and make sure she gets everything she needs; these tips will help. Maybe he'll even warm up to you. Never say never!