Cats are one of the most independent pets you can own. However, this doesn’t mean you can simply let them live their lives without caring for them. A lot goes into owning a cat and the following article has some great tips to show you exactly what you need to know. Read on and learn.
Spay your female cat. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. Electronic items with thin, tempting cords should always be put away when not in use.
Make sure your cat is properly hydrated. Like humans, cats need to drink lots of water. If they don’t get enough water, they can get dehydrated, develop various health problems, or die. Make sure they always have a bowl of fresh and clean water. The bowl itself also needs to be cleaned and refilled every day. You should also keep this bowl in one location.
Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.
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.
Cats are partially nocturnal. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. Your cat will not bother you in the middle of the night if this area is off limit.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
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.
Buy your cat a fountain to drink from. Cats like running water for drink more than water that is just sitting there. Cats react better to a moving water stream. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. A fountain will give them the same effect, and it is more environmentally friendly.
If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.
Your cat should be given food from a can. Food that is dry is cheaper but canned food is better for your cat’s health. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. For aging cats, it is also easier to chew. Talk to the veterinarian prior to making any big changes; but, usually, canned food is best for your cat.
When getting a small kitten to eat dry kitten food, be patient. At first they usually just play with food. It may take a little while, but they’ll eventually learn that they are supposed to eat it rather than toy with it. If the food is moistened first with milk, a kitten may take to it faster.
The best way to make sure that you have a healthy cat is to keep up to date with vaccinations and trips to the vet. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.
When your cat first gives birth to her kittens, resist the urge to pick them up. This is a crucial time for kittens to bond with their mother and learn some basics, so leave them alone. You should be able to have more interaction with the kittens after about a week.
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.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, cats need a lot of attention and care if you want them to live a happy and healthy life. Make sure to implement the advice mentioned above if you’re considering getting a cat. It is information both you and your cat are sure to benefit from.
