A cat is a in incredibly deadly animal in the wild of some countries. Today’s domesticated breeds can seem equally as ferocious or wild if they aren’t properly cared for from the beginning. These paragraphs cover many of the responsibilities you can expect to handle and a few ideas for making them easier.
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.
Clip your cats nails regularly. Cats do have to scratch. However, when cats scratch, their nail sheaths come off and their sharp, pointy claws are exposed. Clipping your cat’s claws every two to three weeks keeps them blunt and helps keep harm to furniture, humans, and other pets to a minimum.
If you just got your cat you want to take them to the veterinarian right away, especially if it is a feral cat or kitten. Kittens are born with parasites and need shots and medication to get rid of them. Feral cats can carry diseases. This is why it is important to have them checked out immediately.
Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Cats are drawn to wires and cords, so you should keep them out of sight and out of mind if they are not being used.
A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.
If you don’t want your cat to scratch up furniture, try filling a small spray bottle with water and spritzing your cat whenever he tries. Cats generally avoid water altogether for reasons no one is sure about, so he will not like this. Eventually he will stop scratching to avoid getting sprayed.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
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.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Keeping your cat up to date on vaccinations and annual check ups can keep your cat in good health and provide a longer life. Cats need regular checkups, just like humans. Please consider your cat as a family member, and take good care of them.
Take notice if and when your cat ever stops conducting their business in their litter box. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. If this happens, you are advised to take your cat to the vet.
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 you are expecting a child, this is more than enough reason for you to have your pet spayed or neutered. Some cats get very aggressive when they see little ones in the house. After having this procedure done it is less likely for your cat to do anything to harm the baby.
You should never use medications designed for humans on your cat. Go to a vet if there are problems, don’t self diagnose. Giving pets medicine that is intended for humans can harm them, and possibly cause death.
You do not have to spend a bunch of cash on fancy toys for your cat to play with. Simple things like feathers and string are great for them to play with, and they are very economical. While you can still buy fancy toys if you like, you may get more benefit from them than your cat does.
Keep your cat on a diet of dry food if at all possible. Little kittens need moist food since their baby teeth can’t handle much else. When they get older, their teeth benefit from harder dry foods. Your cat might enjoy eating more if you mix dry and wet food.
When a cat doesn’t learn the right lessons growing up, it can become an aggravating mess of hair and claws. Pamper your kitten using these tips and take care of their appearance as they grow older. A cat can become a lifelong friend if it is treated the right way.
