There are a lot of cat owners out there that really should learn more about taking care of their cats. If you’re someone that owns one or wants to own one, there are some things you need to know. Read over these tips and you should have no problem with caring for your cat.
If your cat tends to be antisocial and anxious with company, try giving it a catnip toy a few hours before company arrives. Many cats become very mellow when exposed to catnip. Even if your cat does not want to socialize after catnip exposure, it will probably be happier and less anxious.
When you get a cat for your kids, make sure your kids know the rules in advance. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.
When the cat’s litter box starts to become rough and worn at the bottom, it is time to replace it. If you leave it this way, it will cause waste to accumulate in damaged areas. Your cat may be very offended by the odor and decide to use the bathroom somewhere else in the house.
Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. This is the condition that cats like the most. If you throw it away too soon, that cat may look to your furniture for some clawing while it slowly breaks in a new scratching post.
Ensure that your new cat is spayed or neutered. This is important even if your cat will not be outdoors or around cats of the opposite gender. Studies show that spayed cats are less vulnerable to uterine, mammary, and ovarian cancer. Neutering your male cat decreases his risk of developing prostate cancer. Another benefit of neutering is that your cat will not feel compelled to mark his territory by spraying.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
Think about extra care before you take home a cat with long hair. Silky, long hair can be stunning, but that fur won’t look as pretty when it’s on your sofa, clothes, and carpet. These breeds are best left to those with the time and energy to do a lot of cleaning. Be prepared to deal with hairballs, which are a problem for long-haired cats.
Does your home feel inundated with balls of cat fur? Cats shed quite often, so make sure that you brush them a lot. How often and how much your cat sheds can give you a good idea of how often he need to be brushed. Brushing is a good way to keep your cat’s coat from getting matted and tangled.
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.
Never allow your cat to be exposed to phenol chemicals. This is something that’s often in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other popular cleaners. The smell is pretty offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage.
If your cat has been scratching things that they should not have, do not think of declawing them as a good way to deal with the issue. While this surgical procedure would stop them from causing any more damage, it is a very painful procedure and it is pretty difficult to recover from.
When you are looking to finally adopt a new kitten, but don’t want to spend big bucks on an expensive bloodline, you should investigate your local shelters. Most animal shelters offer dogs and cats that need a home badly, regardless of their heritage or costs.You may be able to find a similar cat with a different cost.
A clean litter box is essential for a healthy cat. Litter training your cat is relatively easy. It is almost an instinct for a cat to use a litter box. Make sure you scoop it every day and every week completely change the litter and wash the litter box with dish soap.
Do not try to adopt a kitten while they are too young. This will make it more likely that they will try to scratch and bite you. They may be afraid of other cats since they didn’t stay around mom for a longer period of time. You should try waiting at least twelve weeks.
Be very careful if you have electrical cords and wiring hanging out all over your home. This is very attractive to a kitten and they may try playing with it. Not only can this damage the cords, but it can out your cat at risk for receiving an electrical shock.
Take the time to play with your feline friend on a daily basis. Cats love attention and need exercise. They can get both when you spend a little time playing with them. Ask your kitty to chase a feather, throw a small, soft ball so that he can bat it with his paws or just spend a little time rubbing his belly to see what happens. You will have fun and entertain your pet too.
Now you can probably see that it’s really pretty simple to care for a cat. While they can be a handful when you first get them, it becomes easier over time. Use what you have learned in the above paragraphs to better care for your feline friend. It’s a great pet to have and your cat will love you for a long time!
