Becoming a cat owner is a big decision. Sure cats have a history of being independent pets, however this doesn’t mean you don’t have to take care of them. There are a number of things to consider when caring for a pet cat. The article below will illustrate what things you need to know.
If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
Get your cat sprayed and neutered to prevent diseases and infections that form in the reproductive system. This can also help reduce the chance for overpopulation in the country, as just one male who is not neutered can produce up to half a million offspring over the course of his life.
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.
Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.
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.
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.
A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. All mammals love to play. While a senior cat probably won’t be very rambunctious, the right type of toy will get them interested. Enjoy your cat every day.
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.
If there is a place where your cat likes to use the bathroom other than the litter box, there is a simple way to deal with this. There are sprays formulated to be very offensive to cats. If you apply this spray in these areas, the cat will stay away from there.
If you have a problem with your cats scratching furniture and doors, here is a natural way to curb this destructive behavior. Take a cloth, or soft brush, and apply a thin coating of citrus juice or hot sauce to the areas your cat is scratching. Try to find something that will not discolor the wood. Cats hate citrus and anything spicy, and should eventually learn to avoid these areas.
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.
Make sure to provide your cats with toys. Many people consider toys a need for dogs, but they do not feel the same about cats. Cats need stimulation throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Toys can provide this. Keep your cats from boredom by remembering this tip.
To keep your cat using the litter box, always keep it clean. No matter what kind of scented or special formula litters you may use, nothing is a substitute for removing clumps and used litter several times a day. Keep your litter box in a quiet area of your home.
Your cat needs to eat dry food most often. Kittens need the wet food, however, due to their small teeth. As they get older and get adult teeth, they will have stronger teeth by eating dry food. If your kitty is especially finicky, you can try feeding him a mix of dry and wet food.
Cats sometimes fall victim to similar illnesses to humans. You know your friend’s habits, and you should be able to tell when they’re not feeling well. Bring him or her to the veterinarian if this is the case. That will ensure that it is a small infection, rather than a serious issue.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, there are many things to consider when owning a cat. Be sure to use the information provided if you are a cat owner or are seriously considering getting a pet cat. When you take care of your cat, your cat will take care of you.
