There is no end to the joys of cat ownership. It does take a lot of work to own a cat, though. You need to know what you’re getting into. Here you’ll see exactly what those are. Become aware of what the commitment entails, then approach it wisely.
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.
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
Your cat might not come running when you call, but most cats enjoy cuddling on their terms and time. Cats love to have their heads and backs pet. Not all cats like their tummies rubbed so be careful. Spending quality time with your cat will make lasting memories to look back on someday.
Make sure to keep chemicals and dangerous substances away from your cat. Chemicals like antifreeze have a sweet taste. This encourages the cat to drink it, most often resulting in fatal consequences. Keeping your chemicals locked up in a cabinet will help to ensure that your curious cat does not end up ingesting poison.
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.
Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Keep in mind that a cat’s bones are much more fragile than a dog’s.
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
A cat’s nails can grow really quickly. They sharpen their nails by scratching on different surfaces like a scratching post. You can help avoid your cat destroying your furniture by clipping their nails often. This will help to discourage your cat from scratching at different things around your house.
If you notice that your cat is not using the litter box as much as usual, you should go and take them to a vet right away. There are several health problems that can cause the cat to stop using the box. These issues include bladder problems, constipation and diarrhea.
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.
Despite popular belief, you should never give your cat milk to drink. Cats’ digestive systems lack an abundance of lactase, the enzyme used to break down dairy products. The reality is that this can cause your cat to experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other types of gastrointestinal discomfort. In this case, milk does NOT do a body good!
If you have a long haired cat, regular grooming is an essential tool. Grooming helps to keep your kitty clean and well cared for. It can help to prevent shedding and skin disease too. While bathing your cat is not required more than every so often, make sure to brush him daily and tend to any mats in his coat.
If the weather is bad outside, don’t let your cat out. Periods of extreme cold, rain and wind can be dangerous for your cat. They may look for places to hide, often under a warm car, dangerously near the engine. Keeping a cat outside during such weather events increases the chance that the cat might become injured or die.
During the cold winter months when your cat goes out less often, keep your cat active indoors with interesting feathered toys and a solid scratching post or two. Rotate the toys regularly to make sure that your cat doesn’t loose interest and continues to be entertained and active until the warmer weather comes around again.
Be careful about feeding your cat people food. While people food is quite appealing to cats, some can be dangerous for them. Even if a particular food item is not dangerous, it can cause your cat to put on extra weight, thereby harming him over the long run. Stick to a cat food diet for best results.
As you can now see, cats can bring you much joy. You definitely need to take care of the feline so that it lives a great and healthy life. Apply what you’ve learned here, if you’re thinking of adding a cat to your life.