On the surface, owning a cat may seem like an easy job. After all, they are famous for being independent. While this is true, there are still many things to consider when caring for your pet cat. The following article will illustrate what exactly those things are. Read on and learn.
Cats are constantly grooming themselves, and this is why they rarely need a bath. If your cat gets into something particularly stinky, a bath will not hurt them. If your cat does not like water you might want to wear gloves so that you do not get scratched. You might also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member.
A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. It may take some time, but will be worth the effort and expense.
Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.
If you want a cat that is well-behaved and not prone to biting and scratching, make sure that you do not try to adopt one when it is too young. It takes 12-16 weeks for a kitten to learn proper cat behavior from their mom and all of their siblings.
Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
Sometime a second cat will calm a single destructive cat. This seems counter-intuitive, asking for twice the destruction, but a second cat can give them both something to do. Introduce them slowly and expect some initial squabbles. After a while, though, the cats will usually get along and the destructive behavior will subside.
Carefully consider where you will locate your cats’ litter box. You may want to hide it away. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. It has to be a quiet area with little traffic. Put a rug under it for cleanliness, too.
If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, be sure he gets his shots when he is supposed to an take him for a yearly check-up. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. Your cat is a family member and ought to be treated as such.
Playtime is important for kittens as well as older cats. The best games are those that involve hunting and chasing. Try to think like your cat, choosing toys like feathers on string. The cat is attracted to the movement of the toy, so he will love to chase it if you pull it along without him seeing you. It is important to let your pet win occasionally, to keep him interested.
Some foods that you enjoy as a human aren’t any good for your cat. Garlic and onions are popular examples. These items can make your cat very ill. Milk upsets a cat’s stomach, too.
Protect your cat and your kid by demonstrating the proper way to show affection for the animal. Few things are more appealing to children than the sight of a soft, fluffy cat, and they might be tempted to hug or squeeze the animal. Instead, teach your child to allow the animal to come to you rather than pursuing it. Tell them to use a light touch and avoid making direct eye contact with the cat
Buy a fountain for your cat. Cats have a tendency to not drink enough water. This can leave them dehydrated. They often prefer running water to water sitting out in a bowl. If you suspect your kitty isn’t drinking enough, consider investing in a cat fountain to avoid health problems.
Be sure you’re watchful of your cat when they are near holiday decorations. A curious cat might climb up the tree, try to swat it over, or chew on the needles. Make sure your cat isn’t near the tree, and be mindful of loose tinsel or stray ornaments.
When fur starts to fly, your cat is at risk for more than scratches and bites. Fights are one of the most common means of transmitting feline immunodeficiency viruses and others. If not identified early on, these conditions can lead to rapid deterioration of your pet’s health. This could very well mean death. Protect your pet by keeping it outdoors. Do not allow it to roam the neighborhood.
When it comes to owning a cat, there are several responsibilities every owner must be aware of. Having read the article above, you should now have a good idea of what those responsibilities are. Be sure and implement the advice mentioned in order to keep your cat healthy and happy.
