Cats are very fascinating, and they also are great pets. As a cat-owner, it is crucial that you educate yourself on proper cat-care and learn everything you can to ensure that your lovable feline friend enjoys a healthy and fulfilling life. The following article will help you with this.
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.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
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.
Use petting to check on your cat’s health. Petting isn’t just a way for you and your cat to spend time together, but it’s a great way to find anything abnormal on their body. You can pet them to feel for bumps, lumps, or sores. This is also a great time for you to check their ears.
Try and figure out why kitty is meowing. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. Listen to what’s she’s trying to tell you, and you’ll begin to understand her cues.
Get your cat a breakaway collar. Make sure it has tags that reflect a phone number, even if you are uncomfortable with an address. Cats can run outdoors or slip away, and you don’t want to worry that you’ll never see your cat again. Make sure that there is adequate information so you can be reached.
When the cat’s litter box starts to become rough and worn at the bottom, it is time to replace it. If you leave it this way, it will cause waste to accumulate in damaged areas. Your cat may be very offended by the odor and decide to use the bathroom somewhere else in the house.
Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. Punishment affects cats differently from dogs. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. The cat will enter it on its own. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.
Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. Even if your cat is a house cat, this is still a good idea. Even the tamest indoors cat can be tempted by the possibilities presented by an open door or window. The tag should have your phone number on it. This is very critical if your feline has specific medical issues.
When you bring home a new cat for the first time, the experience can be overwhelming for both of you. Instead of granting access to your entire home, introduce your pet to its new environment one room at a time. For example, you might place your cat’s carrier in your study or den. As long as the carrier door is open, you should be in the room with the animal.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
When taking your cat or kitten to the vet, or to other places that involve a car ride, it is wise to socialize him to this situation. Try taking your cat, always in a carrier, on short rides, adding time to the ride every so often. Getting your pet used to the car can mean the end of his fear and frustration, as well as yours.
Don’t buy a closed litter box without first considering the disadvantages. True, it’s nice that you don’t have to see the contents of the litter box. However, odors tend to build up in closed boxes, making it necessary to clean it more frequently. Covered litter boxes also constrict your cat’s movement, which is a problem for larger pets.
As previously mentioned, cats are great pets. To ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy it is imperative that you educate yourself on proper cat care-taking. You should read over this information a few times in order to care for your cat properly. Your cat will thank you!
