For as long as people have kept pets, cats have been one of the most popular choices. They have inspired films, books and even poetry. In fact, cats usually believe that they rule the world. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find tips on how to be a better cat owner.
Make sure to keep your cat’s litter box clean at all times. Most cats do not like to use a dirty litter box, much like you would not want to use a dirty toilet. Scoop it at least once a day. Empty and give it a good cleaning once a week or more if needed.
Make a free toy for your cat by placing a little dry rice or a few dry beans inside an empty pill bottle. Close the lid and roll the rattly toy across the floor. Most cats can’t resist the sound and motion. You can also tie a length of twine around the neck of the bottle to make a pull toy or a dangly toy.
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.
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.
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.
Make sure you have a good pet carrier or basket for transporting your cats from one location to the next. A proper carrier or basket should have enough room for them to turn around in comfortably. It should also be easy to clean. Make sure that it is lined with a blanket, cushion, or towel to help it stay comfortable and cozy for them when traveling.
Cats are great pets, but their litter boxes can be unsightly and have an odor. If you can’t stand the sight of your litter box, then it is time to go shopping. There are many different styles of litter boxes on the market. Some are even disguised as fake potted plants. Not only does it look better, it controls the smell as well.
Are you the proud owner of both a cat and dog? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Unless you have time to dedicate to cleaning up their fur, don’t get long haired cats. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.
If your cat has bad breath, a trip to the vet is in order. Bad breath in cats can be a red flag for tooth decay or more serious conditions. These include diabetes, stomach problems and lung disorders. So, if your cat’s breath smells worse than the food he eats, get to the bottom of the issue before it gets out of control.
Confine a sanitary area of the house for your cat to give birth. You need to be patient, as it will be three or four hours before all the kittens have been born. If the birth takes an excessively long time or you believe a kitten is stuck inside, an immediate visit to the veterinary hospital is essential.
If you’re dealing with a cat that won’t use the litter box, you should place it somewhere else. A cat knows that when it’s going to the bathroom it’s in a vulnerable situation, so you should make sure the box is in a calm, secure location. Low-traffic areas like basements and laundry rooms are great places to put the litter box.
There is no need to bathe a cat since they are able to do most of their cleaning by themselves. The only way that you should bathe a cat is if there is something on their coat that has not come off for a good length of time, like oil and chemicals.
There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
If you work, your cat can get awfully lonely while you’re away. It can be a good idea to get a companion cat to keep yours company when you are at work.
Don’t offer table scraps to your cat as a treat. The additives in human food may not agree with your cats’ digestive system. To give a cat a real treat, offer a small amount of egg, beef or chicken you have cooked. Your cat has a proper diet if he is getting the proper food for his weight and age.
Your cat believes it is the supreme ruler of all the world. Though with the advice from this article, you can help your cat recognize your rightful place in the relationship. Although cats are stubborn, they can be incredible pets. The advice found here will assist you in raising a great cat.