Cats have co-existed with people for many centuries. There have been poems about them, movies featuring them, and even Broadway show written about them. It shouldn't be surprising then why cats feel like they are the ones running the show! The below article will help you take control over your cat's care.
A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat's overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat's aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat - 200 degrees or so - for 15 minutes. Cover with a small blanket or towel, then place it beneath your pet's bed. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.
You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. Tuck loose cords into old toilet paper or paper towel rolls. If you have rarely used electronics, put them up when you aren't using them.
Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat cat food right up. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.
Brush your cat regularly. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin's blood flow. It can also reduce the amount of loose hair they have. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.
Get your cat accustomed to a carrier. Understand that cats don't react to punishment as well as dogs. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.
If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.
Scratching Post
While a torn up scratching post might look unattractive, do not get rid of it. It may not look as nice, but cats love a scratching post with some wear and tear. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.
Try moving your litter box somewhere else if the cat won't use it. Cats perceive using the bathroom as an activity that makes them vulnerable, so moving the litter box to a less-trafficked area means your cat is more likely to use it. Basement areas and laundry rooms make perfect areas, as they have little traffic.
Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. Cats may wag as well, but the meaning can be quite different. When a cat is wagging its tail, it's actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. If you're holding the cat and their tail begins wagging, they should be put down so that you don't get scratched or hit.
Your cat should be kept inside whenever it can be near the person who owns it. Indoor cats typically live longer than those who live outside. Outdoor cats can be attacked by other animals and exposed to many harmful influences. Play with your cat daily to give it adequate exercise.
Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. The cat won't be able to fight back if other animals attack it and that could get it hurt or killed. Indoor cats can be declawed, though. Even with that, only their front claws should be removed. Don't have the back claws removed, since cats don't use them to scratch up your house.
Cats have a keen sense of smell, which makes it simple for them to feel out changes in their environment. When you give them a new toy, bed, food or scratching post, this can be an issue. Don't fret if you can't get kitty to use a new item right away. The object will begin to smell more like home, and the cat is more likely to feel comfortable.
Sometimes, cats may think they know it all. However, if you utilize the advice above, you can show your cat who's really in charge. Cats work well as pets, especially if you follow the advice listed here.