If you own or are considering owning a cat: congratulations! Animals of the feline persuasion are some of the most amazing companions you can find anywhere. The following article will provide you with expert tips on managing life with your cat and in taking care of him. Read on for fun and helpful information.
Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill. Flea products are a great example of this. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.
Keep dangerous chemicals away from your cat. Just like children, cats need to be kept away from items like cleaning materials since they could harm them. These chemicals are basically poison and if your cats consumes some or gets some on them, they could get very sick, get burned, or possibly die. Store these items in a place where your cat can’t find them or use a child-proof lock on their location.
Protect your cat from strangling by making sure the cords of curtains and blinds are secured and out of reach. When you make or purchase a dangly toy for your cat, be sure to supervise during play. Put the toy away if you will not be around to watch.
Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. They can scratch this instead. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.
Do not assume that because a medication is okay for you to take, that it is safe for your cat as well. Many medications made for humans are lethal to cats, such as acetaminophen containing drugs and aspirin. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your cat anything.
The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Both you and your cat will be happier.
Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.
To make sure your kitten is properly socialized to humans, begin early in his life, about ten to twelve weeks of age. Be sure that he is handled and petted by humans in his family and by others as well. When he is older, he will be a calmer, friendlier cat.
When getting a small kitten to eat dry kitten food, be patient. At first they usually just play with food. It may take a little while, but they’ll eventually learn that they are supposed to eat it rather than toy with it. If the food is moistened first with milk, a kitten may take to it faster.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
Most cats are prone to wax build up and ear mites. You can purchase a solution at the pet store that will clean out your cats ears. You put a couple drops in each of your cats ears and then hold them closed while massaging them for a minute. When you let go, stand back or you will get covered in the liquid when your cat shakes its head.
Turn out the lights and use a black-light to identify the source of that mystery cat urine smell. Cat pee contains phosphorus, which glows brightly under this type of light bulb. This is especially useful because otherwise you might not be able to see the exact area to be treated. Use a piece of chalk to lightly trace the outline of the stain so you can see it when you turn the regular lights back on.
If possible, clip your cat’s toenails once weekly. If the nails grow too long, your pet cannot retract the claws. This causes your pet to experience discomfort. Regular trimmings also prevent the claws from snagging carpet fibers, clothing, and other fabrics. If you cannot do this, you should at least provide scratching toys and posts for your cat.
You schedule your doctor’s appointments on a regular basis and you should do the same with your new cat. Cats need regular checkups to make sure they haven’t caught any bugs or infections in the wild. Many cats actually deal with obesity as well and a vet will be able to point this out.
Cats are said to be very intuitive and sometimes more helpful as companions than even other humans! If you own one, you already know this! Hopefully this article has given you answers to the questions you have about cats and set you straight on important issues. Enjoy your cat for many years to come.
