Owning a cat can bring you tremendous joy. You also have to realize that having your own cat is hard work. With cat ownership, comes many responsibilities. Thankfully, the following paragraphs will give you the knowledge you need. Keep on reading for excellent information on caring for your pet.
If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.
Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.
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!
Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.
Cats are great pets, but their litter boxes can be unsightly and have an odor. If you can’t stand the sight of your litter box, then it is time to go shopping. There are many different styles of litter boxes on the market. Some are even disguised as fake potted plants. Not only does it look better, it controls the smell as well.
A cat’s nails can grow really quickly. They sharpen their nails by scratching on different surfaces like a scratching post. You can help avoid your cat destroying your furniture by clipping their nails often. This will help to discourage your cat from scratching at different things around your house.
While it is perfectly normal for a dog to pant a lot of the time, you should be alarmed if you notice your cat doing it. It may only be a small case of anxiety, but in some cases it is something much more serious like cardiovascular or respiratory distress.
You need to buy some quality food for your cat. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Your cat is a carnivore, and for proper nutrition, he should have a food high in animal protein in order to keep him at his best.
If you suspect your cat has sprayed in your home but can not find the area, there is hope. Purchasing an inexpensive black light can save you from having to rip up your carpets. Your cats urine will glow under the black light, showing you exactly where to clean.
If you have ever given your cat a bath, then you know how much they shiver when it is over. This is because their wet fur provides them with no insulation. You can help your cat out by using your hairdryer to dry the hair fast. Just remember not to hold it too close and burn your cat.
When dogs are excited or happy, they will wag their tails when they see their owners. Cats wag their tails, but definitely not for the same reason. Tail-wagging in cats tends to suggest conflict or anxiety. It’s especially important to keep an eye on your cat’s tail when you’re holding it. If you see it start to move, it’s time to put your pet down before you wind up getting scratched!
If you decide to declaw your cat, never allow it to go outside. The cat is defenseless against other animals, which may lead to injury or possibly death. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. If you do choose to have your cat declawed, only the front claws should be removed. Don’t remove the back claws. This will help ensure that your cat remains safe in case it gets outside, and back claws will not scratch any furniture.
You should try to keep your cat indoors most of the time since there are many things out there that can hurt them. Poison, injury and disease are just a few of the things that can happen to him. If he needs fresh air, open a screened window and allow him to sit there.
Cats have a great sense of smell, which helps them easily grasp changes to their environment. This applies to new pets and food in the home. Your cat will probably not like these items immediately; therefore, be patient. You cat will adjust as the smells of the new items as they become a regular part of his daily routine.
As this article has told you before, there is a lot to gain in owning a cat. But if you want a happy and healthy cat, you’ve got to care for it properly. Take heed of the advice you’ve just been given if you’re going to bring a kitty home.
