There is a lot that goes into owning a cat. You don’t groom a cat the same way you would a dog or another type of pet. Extra care must be provided to ensure they stay clean. This article will provide you with some tips on how to groom your cat.
If you have a male cat, it is important to have him neutered before he goes into heat. When male cats start maturing, they will begin to spray around the house. It smells like ammonia and is hard to remove. Having your male cat neutered can help to prevent this from happening.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
Don’t be pushy when you are getting to know your new cat. Cats prefer to be in control and take things at their own pace. Make sure your new cat is comfortable and safe. Let your cat take its time exploring its new environment. When your cat feels at home, it will be more likely to try to make friends with you.
As your cat gets older, changes in behavior may signal pain. If your cat doesn’t like to jump or climb any more, it may be in pain. If your cat stops taking care of grooming or stops using its litter box, pain may be the cause. Be sure to have your older cat checked out by your vet if you notice behavior changes.
When you move your cat from one house to another, be sure to move the cat last. Set up a quiet room with familiar items for the cat. Keep your cat in the room and quiet for a day or two. Visit and feed the cat in the room. After a couple of days, the cat can explore the rest of the house.
Keep an eye on early warning signs of health issues in cats. Cats usually display warning signs if they are struggling with health issues. Some common signs to look out for include eating habit changes, sleeping habit changes, not being able to groom properly, changes in eating habits, changes in sleeping habits, depression, sneezing, increased thirst, watery eyes, changes in behavior, hiding, and vomiting. If they display these symptoms, take them to a vet right away. The sooner you take, them the better.
Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.
Pay attention and try to figure out what is causing your cat to meow. After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. You’ll learn her cues quickly.
If your cat has to have a surgery such as being spayed or neutered, they will need rest when they come home. It is hard to keep a cat from jumping up on furniture, but necessary to avoid pulling out stitches. Designate an area in your house for your cat to recuperate where they will be less likely to injure themselves, until they are healed enough to roam free.
Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. If you get mad, they’ll never use the box again.
Clean your cat’s eyes as frequently as possible because their vision is extremely important and extremely sensitive. Cats interpret five times as much visual stimuli during their day and the smallest particle can become stuck and cause damage. A pair of thumbs and a damp cloth are perfect for clearing the eyes and keeping your cat clean.
Do not leave the door to your washing machine or dryer open if you have cats. This is a place where cats love to crawl and take a nap, but it can be very dangerous. You don’t want to turn on the machine then find out your cat is in there. It will be very frightening for them and it may cause an injury.
Kittens should never be taken from their mothers before they are eight to ten weeks old. During this time, kittens learn most of their social and instinctive behaviors, and removing them from the mother too soon can cause future behavioral issues the mother cat could have taught them had they not been removed too early.
Keep an eye out on panting. With dogs, this is something that is common. Your cat will pant if it is nervous or overheated but it could also be the sign of a more serious health problem. It is important to speak to your vet, specifically if your feline has suffered from respiratory issues.
If you are looking for a new home for your kitty, consider registering with an online pet adoption agency. Some of these companies screen applicants, so you will be sure that your pet is going into a good home. This is better than selling him to a creep who lurks around Craigslist all the time.
A well-cared-for cat is a happy cat. Do whatever you can to make sure your cat is happy. Your cat is certain to appreciate any grooming. Use all of the tips in this article for a happier cat.
