Are you the owner of a cat? Cats are truly incredible creatures. Cats are finicky creatures who need lots of love and excellent care. Luckily, you can provide everything your cat will need. Continue reading for great tips on how to care for your cat.
Create a warm bed for an outdoor or feral cat by lining a banana box with a thick layer of newspaper. Cut a piece of Mylar to fit the bottom of the box. Put another layer of newspaper on top. Add a warm blanket. Place the whole box inside a dog house or under a porch where it can’t get wet.
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.
Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.
Avoid eye contact to make friends with a cat. Ever wonder why cats seem drawn to the person who likes cats the least? The answer lies in cat body language. To cats, staring is “rude” and can be considered a challenge. Looking away shows that you respect their space and are not going to be a threat. So next time you are looking to meet a new feline friend, look away and let them approach you.
Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. Teach your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.
Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also be a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome “deposits” in neighbor’s gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.
Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.
If you’re getting a kitten for your children, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.
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.
You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. Up until your child is five, children shouldn’t be alone with your pet. You may not have noticed a problem when you see them together, but very kids do not really understand they can accidentally harm or kill a kitten. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.
Understand that cats enjoy being elevated. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.
Do not try to bathe a kitten that is less than four weeks old. It is not very easy for a young kitten to regulate the temperature of their body. This may result in the kitten getting a chill. To be on the safe side you should wait between 12 and 16 weeks after they are born to bathe them for the first time.
It is important that you do not feed your cat too much food from the table. Cats do not digest human food the same way that your does. It can also lead to your cat becoming overweight. If your cat is carrying around too much weight, it will be hard for them to jump up on furniture and get around.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Your beloved cat is someone that you wish to take proper care of. After reading this article, you should have a good foundation of knowledge on how to care for your pet. Use what you have read here so that you can have a cat that’s in good shape and happy. You can increase the life span of your beloved pet by properly caring for it.
