Cats provide endless hours of companionship and entertainment. Having said that, if you are a cat owner, understand that it requires some work. A responsible cat owner is a well-informed cat owner. This article is full of information regarding those particular responsibilities. Keep reading and discover valuable tips that will improve your pet ownership experience.
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied ("breakaway" collars) are a great idea. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.
Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them. You can control this tendency a bit by making high places in the house that you feel comfortable having your cat utilize. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.
Keep your cat away from boredom. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn't the case. They need their exercise. Sadly, this is overlooked by many cat owners. If your cat is bored, it might develop a depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors or ruin some of your furniture. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.
Most cats are very nocturnal. This means that they're going to be running around more when it gets dark. One way to deal with a kitten's playful activity at night is just to shut your door. This will keep the cats away while you're trying to sleep because they won't be jumping all over you.
Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.
Be especially mindful of your cat's ears when you take them on a trip. You may think it's a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don't enjoy this. If your cat seems upset or agitated, turn down the music and speak calmly to him.
Think hard before allowing your cat outside. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. When your cats go outside, keep an eye out to make sure they do not wander too far away.
Talk to people you know about any cat problems you're having. Although you may feel like you don't need help, other owners may be able to give you good advice. There are many online forums that discuss cats. Most vets will also be happy to help you with some advice.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. When cats are in the wild they tend to prefer water that is running when they are thirsty, this applies to cats at home. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. Many cats prefer running water over their water dish. A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.
Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian's information as well. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.
There are many great benefits that a cat brings to the table. That said, it brings many responsibilities, too. Ensure you utilize the excellent tips in this article in order to raise a healthy cat.