Cats are one of many animals that clean themselves. Although this works for the cat in many instances, there is only so much that cat can do. You have to step in and groom the cat to keep it healthy. Here are some useful grooming techniques to use on your cat.
If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!
Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor cat.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
Keep dangerous chemicals away from your cat. Just like children, cats need to be kept away from items like cleaning materials since they could harm them. These chemicals are basically poison and if your cats consumes some or gets some on them, they could get very sick, get burned, or possibly die. Store these items in a place where your cat can’t find them or use a child-proof lock on their location.
If you replace an old scratching post, your cat may be unhappy with the new one. Save money on scratching posts. Wrap your old scratching post with some sisal rope to spiff it up. Your cat will be happy not to lose its favorite old post. You will save a little cash.
Keep your cat’s coat healthy by giving them a supplement of nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is an inexpensive supplement that can be found in most health food stores. Simply sprinkle a little bit on your cat’s dry food, or mix it in with their wet food. Not only do they love how it tastes, but it’s full of protein and vitamins that will keep them looking their best!
Get a scratching post to keep your cat from tearing up your carpet. If you can, get a post that does not have the same type of carpet that is on the floor of your home, so your cat doesn’t associate the two. Instead, get a post that is covered in cardboard, sisal, or thick rope.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats need to exercise and play. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. Bored cats tend to develop emotional and mental disorders that may negatively impact their health. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.
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.
Do not try to hold a cat when they are clearly trying to get away. This will not make the cat feel any closer to you and it may prompt them to start avoiding you in the future. Pick the cat up gently and lay him across your lap. If you feel him wiggling to get away, let him go.
If there is a place where your cat likes to use the bathroom other than the litter box, there is a simple way to deal with this. There are sprays formulated to be very offensive to cats. If you apply this spray in these areas, the cat will stay away from there.
Your kittens don’t want dirty mouths either, so take a toothbrush and clean those gums everyday before breakfast. Without proper brushing, cats can catch diseases, infections, and suffer serious side effects. A few minutes daily keeps these teeth healthy, strong, and sparkling. You should ask a veterinarian how to properly brush your cat’s teeth.
Your cat needs to get regular checkups and vaccinations. This is the only way to make sure that they stay healthy and don’t pick up any illnesses or parasites. A veterinarian can provide these services for you. Animal shelters can be used as well if there isn’t a vet near you.
If you are a responsible pet owner, you need to keep your cat indoors. The outdoors is no place for your pet. There are lots of dangers out in the world. Your cat can be injured by wild animals, hit by a car or get infested with bugs and diseases if you let them roam free.
Be very careful if you have electrical cords and wiring hanging out all over your home. This is very attractive to a kitten and they may try playing with it. Not only can this damage the cords, but it can out your cat at risk for receiving an electrical shock.
A cat that is clean and well groomed will be happy, healthy, and good looking. Remember, the cat can’t do all of the grooming work. It’s up to you to give it a little extra help. Use as many of the provided grooming techniques on your cat and see how good it looks.