Popular poet T.S. He said that cats were designed in a way that a home depends on them, and that is a true statement in a way. A well behaved and healthy cat can enhance any household. The downside to cats, however, is they can be hard to deal with. Here are some tips on how you and your pet can better co-exist.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. To prevent this from happening, keep any drape cords pinned away from any eyes.
To help prevent tapeworm infestation in cats, feed a small amount of food grade diatomaceous earth for two weeks out of each month. About a quarter of a teaspoon per cat per day is adequate. Food grade diatomaceous earth kills internal parasites and causes them to be expelled from the system.
Don’t use dog portions for your cat. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Your cat can die if you use a dog flea product on it. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
Find out how much food you are supposed to be feeding your cat. While cat food containers give general information, find out from your vet how much food your cat should be eating. Many owners do not do this, and end up overfeeding their cats. Take the time to find out the proper amount so you don’t end up with an overweight kitty.
Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. Special food can help. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.
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!
Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.
Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. You may have heard that rubbing your cat;s paws in litter will help them learn, but that may have a traumatizing effect.
It is important to make sure that your cat always has fresh water available. You should refill your cats water dish everyday with clean water. There are drinking fountains that provide your cat with a constant stream of fresh water, so you do not have to worry about changing it as often.
It is important that you do not feed your cat too much food from the table. Cats do not digest human food the same way that your does. It can also lead to your cat becoming overweight. If your cat is carrying around too much weight, it will be hard for them to jump up on furniture and get around.
Cats’ curiosity often puts them in risky situations. Something as simple as a necklace, window pull, or phone cords can cause your pet to become injured or even killed. These items should be bound securely so that they are not a source of temptation for your inquisitive pet. Many childproofing aids work just as well for your kitten.
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.
Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you must make some changes, it would be a good idea to do them gradually.
If possible, clip your cat’s toenails once weekly. If the nails grow too long, your pet cannot retract the claws. This causes your pet to experience discomfort. Regular trimmings also prevent the claws from snagging carpet fibers, clothing, and other fabrics. If you cannot do this, you should at least provide scratching toys and posts for your cat.
Protect your cat and your kid by demonstrating the proper way to show affection for the animal. Few things are more appealing to children than the sight of a soft, fluffy cat, and they might be tempted to hug or squeeze the animal. Instead, teach your child to allow the animal to come to you rather than pursuing it. Tell them to use a light touch and avoid making direct eye contact with the cat
Owning a cat can be difficult, but it can also be really rewarding. It doesn’t matter if your cat is energetic or totally lazy. These tips will strengthen your bond with your cat. Those meows will be replaced with purrs in short order.
