Cats have been a longtime human companion. Talk to any cat owner, and they will be glad to explain why these animals make such great pets. Thus, it isn’t hard to understand why they seem to feel superior. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find tips on how to be a better cat owner.
To keep your cat healthy and strengthen its bond with you, always set aside lots of play time. Kittens especially need lots of attention, which you can easily give to them through play. Pull a piece of string around for a fun and gentle way to keep a cat entertained for hours!
Protect your cat from strangling by making sure the cords of curtains and blinds are secured and out of reach. When you make or purchase a dangly toy for your cat, be sure to supervise during play. Put the toy away if you will not be around to watch.
Make sure you have a good pet carrier or basket for transporting your cats from one location to the next. A proper carrier or basket should have enough room for them to turn around in comfortably. It should also be easy to clean. Make sure that it is lined with a blanket, cushion, or towel to help it stay comfortable and cozy for them when traveling.
Keep your cat away from boredom. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. This is sadly overlooked by some cat owners. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Give them toys and things to do. A scratching post is a valuable toy to put in your home.
Cats love to much on grass and plants such as catnip. There are plants however that are poisonous to cats. Chrysanthemums and holly are beautiful and common around the Holidays, but can be very toxic to cats. Other plants that are toxic or lethal include lilies, rhubarb and daffodils.
Find out how much food you are supposed to be feeding your cat. While cat food containers give general information, find out from your vet how much food your cat should be eating. Many owners do not do this, and end up overfeeding their cats. Take the time to find out the proper amount so you don’t end up with an overweight kitty.
Consider those expensive cat litter boxes. There are cat litter boxes now that allow you to have minimal interaction with them. This can be great for anyone who is tired of cleaning a litter box. But be careful, as they may not work as easily as they claim to. If you can, make sure there is a return policy and don’t lose the receipt. You may find you prefer the old-fashioned style!
Should you leave the house with your cat, make sure that she is wearing a collar with tags. This way, if anything happens and you two become separated, anyone can find her and know how to reach you. Your cat may not like the collar all the time, but when she’s out of the house it can save her.
Find a litter that your cat enjoys. Different litters have different smells and textures, so help your cat to find a litter that he is generally comfortable with using. Cats generally like to keep things the same though, so don’t experiment too often or your cat may avoid the litter box.
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.
To make sure your kitten is properly socialized to humans, begin early in his life, about ten to twelve weeks of age. Be sure that he is handled and petted by humans in his family and by others as well. When he is older, he will be a calmer, friendlier cat.
Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? Since cats shed so much, you must remember to brush them regularly. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This will ensure your cat’s coat is tangle-free and not matted.
Is your cat really sweet and lovable? If so, they might make a good therapy pet. Pet therapy uses animals to go into places like nursing homes, and bring some joy to the people there. Your cat will be happy with all the attention, and you can feel good about doing something positive for others.
You can deter cat scratching with something as simple as tape. This type of tape helps prevent your cat from scratching your furniture if it does this constantly. You can find tape specifically made for this at many pet stores. With this tape and a well-placed scratching post, your feline should stop the bad behavior quickly.
Your pet may think it’s the boss of you, or even the boss of the entire world. The best way to give your cat the love and care it needs is to follow these guidelines. People enjoy cats because they’re great as pets, and you can use the above advice to make sure you’re giving your pet a great life.
