Fun, furry, and finicky: three words that perfectly describe cats. There are so many things you need to know if you’re going to own a cat. The article below has the information you need.
Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
Have your cat spayed or neutered. Pet overpopulation is a growing problem, with millions of homeless cats and kittens euthanized every year. Besides the problem of too many kittens and not enough homes, unfixed cats can have a multitude of behavior problems. Males who are not neutered at a young age often start spraying to mark their territory, and females who are allowed to come into heat yowl incessantly as they try to escape to find a mate. Kittens can begin to breed as early as 4 months of age, so get your new kitten spayed or neutered as soon as possible.
Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.
Keep an eye on early warning signs of health issues in cats. Cats usually display warning signs if they are struggling with health issues. Some common signs to look out for include eating habit changes, sleeping habit changes, not being able to groom properly, changes in eating habits, changes in sleeping habits, depression, sneezing, increased thirst, watery eyes, changes in behavior, hiding, and vomiting. If they display these symptoms, take them to a vet right away. The sooner you take, them the better.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
When training a cat, take the proper approach. Encouragement works better than anger. If you are trying to teach a kitten to use a litterbox, for instance, yelling will only frighten a small cat. When the cat starts to go outside the box, gently place them in the box so they learn.
Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.
Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. Establishing these boundaries ahead of time prevents any confusion.
Consider adopting multiple cats, especially it will be spending a significant amount of time alone. One cat can do fine alone, however two are not much more work or expense than one, and can keep each other company and entertain each other. This will stave off boredom, especially if you work long hours.
When getting a small kitten to eat dry kitten food, be patient. At first they usually just play with food. It may take a little while, but they’ll eventually learn that they are supposed to eat it rather than toy with it. If the food is moistened first with milk, a kitten may take to it faster.
Cats’ curiosity often puts them in risky situations. Something as simple as a necklace, window pull, or phone cords can cause your pet to become injured or even killed. These items should be bound securely so that they are not a source of temptation for your inquisitive pet. Many childproofing aids work just as well for your kitten.
Never assume that a fence will keep your cat from leaving your yard. Unless the fence is specially designed to keep cats from escaping, it’s safe to say that your cat will find a way out. Also, remember that your fence must be able to keep other animals from entering your backyard and harming your pet.
One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats may wag as well, but the meaning can be quite different. A cat wags its tail when it is upset. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.
If you can, keep your cat inside and close to you. Studies have shown that cats that live outdoors tend to have shorter lives than cats that stay indoors. If you want to give your indoor cat some outdoor time, exercise with them. That way, your cat gets some fresh air, sunshine and outdoor scenery without the risks of free-roamers.
Taking care of cats may seem simple at first, and if you’re lucky enough to get one that doesn’t present any issues they are, but most require a lot of attention, TLC and a few vet check-ups. By using this information, you can take the best care possible of your cat. Doing some research will make things go better in the end.
