Cats bring joy and happiness to millions of families all over the world. Cats do have unique personalities, though, and special challenges other pets may not. You should learn everything you can about your cat, and give it the care it deserves. Read these tips to have a happy, healthy feline for years.
Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. When the tile cools down, change it out for a fresh, warm one.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
Keep your cat healthy and non-finicky by introducing a varied diet. Always purchase several different brands of food and rotate them. In this way, your cat will be used to trying and accepting new tastes. If one food brand goes out of business, you will always have lots of other acceptable choices to offer.
Check your cats ears frequently for ear mites. You may notice your cat shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot if they have them. They are tiny parasites that look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. If you have more than one cat, they can also travel from cat to cat. See a vet before using any medication on them since their ears need properly cleaned first.
Is your cat constantly destroying your toilet paper? Make sure that your bath tissue is stopping it from rolling over the top. You can also make or buy a toilet paper cover. These covers are not expensive and will save you money if your furry friend insists on playing with your tissue.
It is important to make sure that your cat always has fresh water available. You should refill your cats water dish everyday with clean water. There are drinking fountains that provide your cat with a constant stream of fresh water, so you do not have to worry about changing it as often.
Keep track of your feline friend by having the animal microchipped. This small device is implanted beneath the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Microchip implantation may sting for a few seconds, but the implant is otherwise unnoticeable and will not cause your pet any discomfort. This chip makes it easier for animal control to locate your cat if it goes missing.
Sometime a second cat will calm a single destructive cat. This seems counter-intuitive, asking for twice the destruction, but a second cat can give them both something to do. Introduce them slowly and expect some initial squabbles. After a while, though, the cats will usually get along and the destructive behavior will subside.
Do not place the cat litter box in the same area where you place the bowl your cat eats from. Cats want a clear separation between the two areas, so make sure you give it to them. It is not likely you would want to eat in the same place where you use the bathroom, so give your cat the same courtesy.
When introducing a new cat to your home, make sure that your other pets have time to adjust. You will want to give the new cat extra attention, but it is important to keep up established routines with your other pets. Allow the new cat to explore its new home while you care for your other pets.
Buy a fountain for your cat. Cats have a tendency to not drink enough water. This can leave them dehydrated. They often prefer running water to water sitting out in a bowl. If you suspect your kitty isn’t drinking enough, consider investing in a cat fountain to avoid health problems.
When listening to your favorite music, keep in mind that your cat’s hearing is much more sensitive than your own. Music with high pitched treble and thumping bass are particularly difficulty for your cat, so keep the volume low. To please your cat and help him relax, play something with a slower tempo.
Although cats do not usually need to be bathed, if your cat does need a bath, set a small towel on the side of your sink or tub to give your cat something to make him feel secure. Not being able to get a foothold on slippery surfaces can panic your cat and make the bath more difficult.
Most cats do not need any training, but they do need to follow the rules of the house. Some cats will scratch the furniture or eat the house plants. With repeated and gentle training, you can teach your cat not to do these things. Cats are very smart and they can learn the rules of the house.
Take the time to play with your feline friend on a daily basis. Cats love attention and need exercise. They can get both when you spend a little time playing with them. Ask your kitty to chase a feather, throw a small, soft ball so that he can bat it with his paws or just spend a little time rubbing his belly to see what happens. You will have fun and entertain your pet too.
Make your years of cat ownership enjoyable with proper care. Cats can be an easy pet to care for at times, while at other times they have special needs specific to their species. Use the advice here to keep your cat bouncing for years. There is no pet quite like a cat, and the memories will last a lifetime.
