There’s nothing like having a pet. There are many kinds of pets, but there’s a special one that has warmed the hearts of many pet owners. Cats are great companions for your home. If you want to care for one, read this article for tips related to caring for cats.
Before acquiring a cat, be sure that you have the wherewithal to take care of all necessary vet care. Cats reproduce at an alarming rate, and spaying or neutering is essential to keeping cat population under control. Check spay, neuter and vaccination costs and packages with local vets and clinics and be sure you can afford to give your cat proper medical care.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
Save your furniture with scratching posts and pads. It is natural for cats to want to stretch their claws out and scratch. This does not mean that a cat owner must have damaged furniture. Provide your cat with places that it is okay to scratch and redirect them there if they decide to try out your sofa. Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and materials and some cats prefer a particular type so it may take some trial and error before you find the right combination for your kitty.
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.
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.
Is your cat constantly munching on your house plants? If so there is a fix for this. Growing oat grass or catnip yourself can help entice your cats away from your plants. Giving them plants that they can eat and like will help draw them to those plants over and over again.
Do not feed your cat any kind of human food that contains bones in it. If you are giving your cat chicken or fish, be sure to remove the bones beforehand to prevent a choking hazard. Chop the food that you serve into small bits to make it easier to digest for your cat.
If your cat has a tendency to eat your plants, you can stop him. You can either purchase bitter apple spray and spray the pot, or you can put a bit of clove oil on a cotton ball and bury it a bit in the soil. Your cat will avoid both.
If your cat does not use the litter box, do not use punishments to try to discipline him. Many times this occurs because the box wasn’t well maintained. If you get mad, they’ll never use the box again.
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.
Entertain your cat with simple “toys” made from household objects. Many cats enjoy exploring boxes, such as those that hold 12-packs, small appliances, or other products. Before allowing your pet to play with a box, you should be sure that the animal cannot get stuck in small openings or tight spaces. This would be dangerous and very frightening to your pet!
Think about where you want to put the litter box. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won’t smell it. However, it is important to keep their litter box in an area they can easily get to. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. If you keep the litter box on a cold cement floor, put a mat or rug down underneath it.
Take your cat for vaccinations often to make sure he or she is healthy. Just like kids, kittens must have wellness checks and immunizations periodically to keep health issues and diseases from coming up later. Please consider your cat as a family member, and take good care of them.
When dogs are excited or happy, they will wag their tails when they see their owners. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. If you’re holding the cat and their tail begins wagging, they should be put down so that you don’t get scratched or hit.
Don’t use products with phenol in a house with a cat. This is a chemical that is normally found in Lysol, Pine-Sol and other household cleaners. The smell from this chemical is disliked by cats. Also, when exposed to phenol for too long, it can cause issues with their liver.
As stated before, many pets exist, but few are as special as the cat. They are perfect for anyone looking for a new friend to occupy their home. There is some work associated with caring for cats, but it’s no trouble for you. If you use this article, cat care can be a piece of cake.
