Are you a fan of cats? Many people are fans, as these cute and lovable creatures give people many reasons to enjoy them. If you’ve ever thought about owning a cat, then you’ve come to the right place. This article can give you some good advice that will help you raise a cat.
If your cat is pregnant, set up a comfortable, safe place for her to have her kittens. A big cardboard box equipped with a pillow and blanket is good. Place it in the back of a closet or other out of the way place. Keep food and water dishes nearby.
If your cat is overweight, there are two things you need to do. First, you have to adjust the amount of food you give them, and the other is that you need to get them exercising. Get them cat toys, or play with them yourself, to make sure they are getting the activity they need to slim down.
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.
If you cat is overly vocal, try to figure out exactly why he or she is making so much noise. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. They may want outside or may be hungry. Look for the cues and you’ll be much more in tune with your pet.
Consider adopting multiple cats, especially it will be spending a significant amount of time alone. One cat can do fine alone, however two are not much more work or expense than one, and can keep each other company and entertain each other. This will stave off boredom, especially if you work long hours.
Do not try to bathe a kitten that is less than four weeks old. It is not very easy for a young kitten to regulate the temperature of their body. This may result in the kitten getting a chill. To be on the safe side you should wait between 12 and 16 weeks after they are born to bathe them for the first time.
Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. Most cats will prefer drinking water that is running over drinking water in a bowl. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.
Feed a kitten proper food. A developing kitten survives exclusively on their mother’s milk for the first four weeks, a commercial formula if the mother isn’t around. When moving to regular food, feed them specially formulated kitten food until they reach maturity at the age of one. Kittens need plenty of protein while they are developing.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
Is cat hair getting into everything you own? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. Make sure that your cat can get to its litter box very easily. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. Put a rug under it for cleanliness, too.
When your cat is close to giving birth, provide a spacious area for her. The birth process can last up to four hours, which means you must exercise patience. If, after six hours, you think there are still kittens stuck inside your pet, a trip to the vet is in order.
If your cat will not use the litter box, try placing it at a different spot in your home. 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. Basements, laundry rooms and other quiet spots are best.
Is your cat really sweet and lovable? If so, they might make a good therapy pet. Pet therapy uses animals to go into places like nursing homes, and bring some joy to the people there. Your cat will be happy with all the attention, and you can feel good about doing something positive for others.
You do not have to spend a bunch of cash on fancy toys for your cat to play with. Simple things like feathers and string are great for them to play with, and they are very economical. While you can still buy fancy toys if you like, you may get more benefit from them than your cat does.
Cats are one of the best pets on earth. They funny, warm, soft, and very playful. Raising a cat should be pretty easy after reading the advice listed here. There’s only one step that you have to take, and that’s getting the actual cat. Have fun taking care of your new furry friend.