Cats are truly fascinating animals. Fiercely independent, strong-willed and intelligent, they are also very loving and affectionate. To ensure that your cat is properly cared for, take some time to study the best cat care advice and tips. Continue reading this article to learn everything you need to know to properly care for your kitty cat.
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
Avoid being kept awake by your cat romping through the house at night. When you first get your kitten, establish a habit of putting it to bed in a comfortable crate with a nice bed, litter box, food and water at night. If you start this early, your cat will appreciate having its own safe, cozy room.
Your cat might not come running when you call, but most cats enjoy cuddling on their terms and time. Cats love to have their heads and backs pet. Not all cats like their tummies rubbed so be careful. Spending quality time with your cat will make lasting memories to look back on someday.
Make sure your cat is properly hydrated. Like humans, cats need to drink lots of water. If they don’t get enough water, they can get dehydrated, develop various health problems, or die. Make sure they always have a bowl of fresh and clean water. The bowl itself also needs to be cleaned and refilled every day. You should also keep this bowl in one location.
Whenever you take your cat anywhere, use a cat carrier. No matter how gentle your cat is, it could become frightened. If this happens, it could bolt off and be quickly lost, injured or killed. At the vet’s office, your cat will be safe from unpredictable animals if you use a pet carrier.
Most cats prefer to be mostly nocturnal. This means that they will be the most active at night time. Close the door to prevent the noise from getting to you. This way, they can’t disturb you while you sleep.
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don’t force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he’ll get the idea that it’s there for a reason!
Consider all the options before you let your cat be an outdoors cat. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you think your pet needs to go outside, think about enclosing a back patio with metal mesh or some type of heavy screen to keep your cat inside, yet allow them to experience the outdoors.
If you want a cat that is well-behaved and not prone to biting and scratching, make sure that you do not try to adopt one when it is too young. It takes 12-16 weeks for a kitten to learn proper cat behavior from their mom and all of their siblings.
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.
Buy a pet drinking fountain to prevent dehydration. Cats are attracted to running water, so a pet drinking fountain may help to encourage your cat to drink more. Proper hydration can cure and prevent a large number of feline health problems. Therefore, a pet drinking fountain could improve the health of your cat and reduce vet bills.
An overfed cat will quickly become ill. If your pet eats much more than it should, it may become overweight, which can lead to a number of illnesses. Monitor the portion sizes of your cat’s meals, watching to see that they are well balanced meals.
Ensure you place a tag collar on your cat. Cats are intelligent and may escape at any time if you’re not careful. A tagged animal has a much better chance of being brought home.
Be sure your cat receives a tick and flea treatment. There are many monthly drops that are quite effective. These kinds of medications will help your cat be free from parasites that suck blood from the pet and can lead to diseases. Make sure to get a brand specifically for use on cats in order to keep your friend safe.
Refrain from taking your cat outside during inclement weather. Heat waves, extreme cold, and stormy weather are all times you should bring your pet inside. Cats will look for a place to hide during such weather incidents, and that place could include under the hood of someone’s car. If they are left out, they may stay permanently gone after the weather is clear.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, cats are absolutely fascinating animals. Properly caring for cats, however, is not as easy as many people think. It takes some real effort. Apply all of the great cat care tips and advice outlined in this article to keep your kitty healthy and happy.
