There many reasons why cats make great pets. Not only are cats incredibly entertaining pets to have, they also help keep the house free of rats and other rodents. Having a cat can help you make sure rodents don't enter your home.
Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.
Electrical Cords
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. Loose cords can be bundled and tucked inside old paper towel rolls. If you have electrical cords laying out that are not being used, put them away as cats can play with them and then move on to live electrical cords.
Nice furniture and cat claws don't get along very well. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. Teach your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.
Location is key when placing a litter box. Don't put it where the cat can't reach it or near their food. Make sure it's properly ventilated to keep smell down. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.
Be sure you show your cat lots of love. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. They are social creates which need reassurance. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Food with a low magnesium content will help. The best way to find out is to read the label. Fish products are usually higher in magnesium.
When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. It's also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn't escape. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.
Litter Box
You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. Don't try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.
Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.
Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don't toss a scratching post when it's getting particular worn and frazzled. While it doesn't appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. When cats are out in the wild they like to drink running water, and this is true in your home as well. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. Actually, certain cats like to drink right from the sink faucet as it runs. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
Play is an important part of a cat's life. After all, everyone likes to play. While older cats aren't near as energetic, they still enjoy playing often. Make sure you and your cat are thoroughly enjoying each other.
Cats may be less effective for security than guard dogs, but they still track down the small critters in your home. Cats are great hunters and can make kills more frequently than dogs at times. Use all the tips from your article and learn more about the different things you can do to properly care for your cat.