Cats are fantastic pets, but there are certain things you need to know to care for them in the best way possible. Education on the best way to care for a cat is the most important step in cat ownership. The article you’re reading has plenty of great advice about caring for cats.
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops. This could hurt or kill them. Make sure drapery cords are kept back to avoid this.
Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help. Adoption fees often include things like spaying or neutering them, shots or other vet care. You’re literally saving their life.
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.
If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.
Avoid eye contact to make friends with a cat. Ever wonder why cats seem drawn to the person who likes cats the least? The answer lies in cat body language. To cats, staring is “rude” and can be considered a challenge. Looking away shows that you respect their space and are not going to be a threat. So next time you are looking to meet a new feline friend, look away and let them approach you.
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.
Understand that cats enjoy being elevated. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.
Do not leave wet cat food in the bowl for longer than twenty minutes after your cat is done eating it. After you see your kitten is done for the time being, throw out the rest of the food and make sure to wash their bowl thoroughly with light soap and water.
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.
Get your cat all the necessary vaccinations. There are a number of them and you should talk to your veterinarian about the proper schedule. Many are given at the early stages of a kitten’s development, then given annually thereafter. These vaccinations prevent such problems as feline leukemia, rabies and respiratory problems.
One of the most delightful things about a dog is the way they happily greet their owners. Cats move their tails too, but it’s not for the same reason. Tail wagging in a cat usually means he is thinking of attacking or running away. Likewise, if you are holding your cat, and he suddenly starts to wag his tail, you may need to let him down to avoid swats or scratches to yourself!
If possible, have your cat eat dry food. Kittens need wet food, though. Once they grow adult teeth, they benefit from chewing dry food. For those cats who are picky eaters, a mixture of both dry and wet food usually does the trick.
When disciplining a cat for bad behavior, you must catch him in the act, or discipline is futile. You must also never hit your cat, as this could hurt him and damage the relationship you have with him. Instead, try using a squirt gun, giving him a gentle squirt when you catch him engaging in bad behavior. This will eventually teach him that there is an undesirable consequence for what he is doing, causing him to think twice before he does it again!
Cats can be wonderful animals to keep as pets, but you need to properly care for them. In order to become a good cat owner, check out the advice contained in this article and take it to heart. With good, solid practices and lots of love, you can have a truly happy cat that lives a long life.