Cats are fascinating animals and they make terrific pets. Cat owners need to learn proper cat care and learn all that they can so that their companion can live a fulfilling and healthy life. Read on to find out more.
Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. This could help save your cat if it gets caught in a tight spot.
Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.
A cat's claws can cause lots of damage to your home. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.
It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. If your cat is high, he can see everything that is going on. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. If you place a cat tower around the kitchen area, they may be less likely to lay on your counters.
Don't allow your cat become bored. Every cat needs exercise time and play! But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Give them enough space to exercise in, with fun toys to keep them entertained. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.
Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. Your cat's long hair can cause hair balls. There are special foods that can ease this issue. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.
Buying Online
You can sometimes find better prices for cat medication online than getting it from your veterinarian. If it's an emergency, buying online may not be an option. For more routine situations, saving 50% by buying online is quite possible.
Though cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Make sure that you teach your children the proper way to handle a kitten or cat. Demonstrate how the cat should be petted and handled and encourage your children to be very gentle. Keep in mind that a cat's bones are much more fragile than a dog's.
Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. Cats never respond to punishment the way that dogs do. They prefer encouragement instead. Place the open carrier in an area that your cat visits often and outfit it with a favorite toy and blanket. Over time, the cat will feel comfortable and go inside the carrier. Let it happen naturally or with only mild coaxing. Do not get angry. This will make getting the cat inside easier later.
Rotate the variety of food you feed your cat. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.
Don't toss your cat's scratching post just because it's starting to look haggard. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they've gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. In the early days, you may see a lot of posturing from the cats including hissing and swatting at each other. After a bit of time, you'll have two cats that will tolerate, and possibly enjoy, each other.
Litter Box
Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won't smell it. However, it's important to make sure your cat can easily access its litter box. It has to be a quiet area with little traffic. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.
As was stated earlier, cats are a wonderful choice for a pet. You have to work hard to keep them healthy and entertained. Take these suggestions to heart so you can learn to be a great cat owner. It is very likely that your feline companion will be very thankful.