Cats are quickly overtaking dogs as mans best friend. Cats are incredibly intelligent and built for agile maneuvering along any unusual environment you can imagine. Having such an awesome pet means that they are that much harder to keep entertained during their day. This article will provide only the most awesome techniques for entertaining the most awesome cats.
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.
Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. Flea products especially. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.
Your cat might not come running when you call, but most cats enjoy cuddling on their terms and time. Cats love to have their heads and backs pet. Not all cats like their tummies rubbed so be careful. Spending quality time with your cat will make lasting memories to look back on someday.
For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it completely every three days or so. When you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don’t waste your money on liners as cats tend to destroy them.
Cats and electrical cords don’t mix. If you notice your cat has a habit of chewing on electric cords, try to bundle them up and hide them out of the cat’s reach. If that’s not possible, spray a little bit of bitter apple onto the cords. Not only is bitter apple non-toxic, cats absolutely hate the taste.
Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. Read the label on any food you choose. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.
Make sure that there are enough litter boxes in your home for all of the cats that are staying there. It is optimal to have one litter box for each cat. If you live in a home that has a lot of floors, there should be one on each floor for each cat.
If you notice that your cat is not using the litter box as much as usual, you should go and take them to a vet right away. There are several health problems that can cause the cat to stop using the box. These issues include bladder problems, constipation and diarrhea.
You need to provide your cat with a drinking fountain. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. Cats will even drink from the tap if they can! A drinking fountain will be good for the environment and can help the cat to enjoy its water more.
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.
If you have a problem with your cats scratching furniture and doors, here is a natural way to curb this destructive behavior. Take a cloth, or soft brush, and apply a thin coating of citrus juice or hot sauce to the areas your cat is scratching. Try to find something that will not discolor the wood. Cats hate citrus and anything spicy, and should eventually learn to avoid these areas.
When choosing what type of cat to bring home, consider your lifestyle. Do you travel often? How long are you at home? If you will not spend a good deal of time in the company of your new pet, adopt a more mature cat. Kittens require considerable care and are easily frightened when alone. A mature cat requires care as well, but should fare well when you aren’t at home.
You might be leery about having your cat fully vaccinated, especially when they are strictly indoors. Rabies shots are important because you never know what critter might sneak into your house. Talk to your vet about the other vaccines. They will be able to help you determine what is healthiest for your cat.
Equip your cat with a collar and tag as soon as possible. Cats are intelligent creatures and can easily find a way to get outside. When they have a collar on with a tag, or a microchip, they’ll easily be returned to you.
At least one of the above ideas should keep your cat entertained on those rainy nights. Try to work it as an activity the both of you can partake in. Playing games with your cat teaches it that the two of you can have an exciting time together while keeping it active and healthy.