Are you the owner of a cat? If so, then you understand just how precious it is. Cats are living beings that requite care and affection. Fortunately, it is quite possible to provide well for its needs. This article will offer you some great tips and advice that will help you to meet all of your cats needs.
Make sure your cat is always groomed. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis. Doing this frequently can help them keep their coat clean. This will also reduce things like shedding and hairballs because it keeps them from having extra hair. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
If your cat is an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.
If you have a male cat, it is important to have him neutered before he goes into heat. When male cats start maturing, they will begin to spray around the house. It smells like ammonia and is hard to remove. Having your male cat neutered can help to prevent this from happening.
Get a pet water fountain. Cats can be prone to dehydration, and running water entices them to drink. It is an evolutionary habit that developed because in the wild, running water is less likely to be contaminated than a stagnant pool. Your pet will enjoy the water more, and will drink more often.
If you replace an old scratching post, your cat may be unhappy with the new one. Save money on scratching posts. Wrap your old scratching post with some sisal rope to spiff it up. Your cat will be happy not to lose its favorite old post. You will save a little cash.
If your cat is pregnant, set up a comfortable, safe place for her to have her kittens. A big cardboard box equipped with a pillow and blanket is good. Place it in the back of a closet or other out of the way place. Keep food and water dishes nearby.
Do not feed your cat any kind of human food that contains bones in it. If you are giving your cat chicken or fish, be sure to remove the bones beforehand to prevent a choking hazard. Chop the food that you serve into small bits to make it easier to digest for your cat.
Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. They are often active at nighttime. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.
When traveling on the road with your cat, understand that they are sensitive to sounds. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.
If you want to have your cat for many years, it is a good idea to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.
Having a hard time giving your cat a bath? Try this. Take an old window screen and put it in your sink or bathtub. Put your cat in, and he will claw the screen and stay there. Then start washing, but do don’t dilly dally. Use a cup to help you to pour warm water on your cat unless you have a movable shower head.
If you’re having an issue with your cat, try to get some input from other cat owners. Although you may feel like you don’t need help, other owners may be able to give you good advice. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.
Take the time to make your cat familiar and comfortable with a carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. They like responding to encouragement better. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. Then, you will have no problem using the carrier.
If you are adding a kitten to a household that already contains a dog, it is important to socialize the kitten to the dog at an early age. At first, constant supervision is essential. Let the kitten and dog spend time together while you hold the kitten, letting them explore and get used to each other’s smells. When socialized early, cats and dogs can live happily and peacefully together.
If you live in an area that is populated by wild animals, such as coyote and fox, you may need to make you cat an indoor cat. Wild animals pose a real threat to cats, and to avoid the loss of a beloved pet, it is sometimes best to keep them indoors for the course of their lives.
You love your cat and want to care for them properly. After reading this article, you should know more about caring for a cat. Use the above tips to be sure your cat lives a happy, healthy life. Your cat will love you if you love him.
