Are you looking for a pet? Do you want a warm companion to keep you company on cold wintery nights? If you answered yes, then you should consider getting a cat. They are the perfect pets and they are pretty easy to care for. You can learn more about caring for them in the following advice.
Give your new cat some space. Moving to a new home can be stressful on a cat, especially one who is no longer a kitten. To help them adjust, give them a quiet place that they can call their own, such as a spare bathroom or laundry room. This gives them a safe space they can retreat to until they have become comfortable with exploring the whole house. Depending on the cat, this process may take a few days up to a month or more.
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.
Try figuring out why the cat is purring. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. Understand your cat’s preferences, and you’ll be that much better off.
Cats are great pets, but their litter boxes can be unsightly and have an odor. If you can’t stand the sight of your litter box, then it is time to go shopping. There are many different styles of litter boxes on the market. Some are even disguised as fake potted plants. Not only does it look better, it controls the smell as well.
When bringing a new kitten home, take it slow. It is tempting for children to want to play with the new addition to your home immediately. But the young cat will likely be scared. Give the cat time to acclimate itself to your home and to get comfortable with everyone.
Always watch a kitten around small kids. Up until your child is five, children shouldn’t be alone with your pet. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. When your children age, you will realize when they’re able to deal with a pet.
Do not leave wet cat food in the bowl for longer than twenty minutes after your cat is done eating it. After you see your kitten is done for the time being, throw out the rest of the food and make sure to wash their bowl thoroughly with light soap and water.
Play is an essential element of a cat’s daily life. After all, everyone likes to play. A cats energy might fade over time, but that does not mean that it no longer likes to play. Play with your cat, and you’ll both have fun.
Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. You have to accept the fact that easy access for your cat is the first priority in choosing a spot for the litter box. Your cat will use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet place and away from smells your cat does not enjoy. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.
When your cat has kittens, it can be tempting to get rid of them as soon as possible, but you should wait a reasonable amount of time. A kitten needs to learn a few things from mom before going off into the world alone, so give him six weeks to learn all he can.
Keep your cat’s vaccinations and checkups up to date with the vet. Immunizations can prevent your cat from attaining viruses or diseases. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.
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.
If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. For example, the behavior may be caused by an infection of the kidneys or bladder. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.
A kitty door is a great way to allow your cat to go in and out, without any help from you. You can also use kitty doors on doors inside your home. This can be great if you have a dog or small children, to keep them out of the room with the litter box.
When your cat first gives birth to her kittens, resist the urge to pick them up. This is a crucial time for kittens to bond with their mother and learn some basics, so leave them alone. You should be able to have more interaction with the kittens after about a week.
If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds, choose foods that help the animal to feel full. If the cat acts like it is hungry all the time, you will be tempted to feed (and overfeed) it. Look for cat foods that contain higher amounts of protein and fiber. This also promotes a healthy digestive system, which contributes to weight loss.
Now that you know how to care for a cat, you should have no problems getting one. A cat can do wonders for your life. It can provide you with plenty of hours of companionship. Heed the advice given here and you’ll have a friendly companion that will never leave your side.
