Cats are often curious and temperamental. They can ignore you for hours, only to suddenly demand your undivided attention. This may seem confusing at times, but a purring cat sitting on your lap is one of the best things you can experience. Here are some great ideas to help you with your furry friend.
Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.
Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Cat grooming will not only keep kitty looking great, but it will also help to reduce the effort spent picking up cat hair around the home.
Cats enjoy getting into 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.
If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.
A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn't mean it'll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.
Location is key when placing a litter box. Don't put it where the cat can't reach it or near their food. The area should also be well ventilated so that it doesn't smell too badly. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.
Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.
If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. Listen to what's she's trying to tell you, and you'll begin to understand her cues.
Cats enjoy heights. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. If you can't afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.
Cat Owners
If you're having an issue with your cat, try to get some input from other cat owners. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Don't try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. This comes naturally - you can't teach it. While some folks think you should pick up your cat and place their paws against the litter, this can actually be traumatic.
Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.
Cats can be a strange and mercurial breed, but they are most definitely good companions if you get close to them. Work with these tips found here to make their everyday lives as good as they can be. When you know how to take care of your cat, you'll both be happier.