Intelligence, grace, and occasional affection. Those are the benefits of owning a cat. However, it is not always easy, so keep reading. In this article, you’ll find plenty of great advice that will make you a more responsible cat owner. Read on!
If you have outdoor cats, be sure to discourage pests such as coyotes, possums and raccoons by bringing cat food indoors at night. Feed your cats first thing in the morning, and make sure there is no food left at nightfall. This will keep your cats safe from attack and illness.
Play with your cat using proper cat toys. Cats love toys that help them feel like the predators that they think they are. Try sticking with toys that help them dance around or jump. This can also help them use extra energy by pouncing on toys instead of people’s feet.
Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your cat.
Clip your cats nails regularly. Cats do have to scratch. However, when cats scratch, their nail sheaths come off and their sharp, pointy claws are exposed. Clipping your cat’s claws every two to three weeks keeps them blunt and helps keep harm to furniture, humans, and other pets to a minimum.
A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post. They can scratch this instead. Sooner or later, they’ll love to use it.
Never have your cat declawed. Many people misunderstand declawing, thinking it is the simple removal of a cat’s nail. This is not true. In fact, the veterinarian must remove the top knuckle along with the claw during the procedure. This can result in arthritis pain later in life and many behavior problems, such as biting. There are many alternatives from scratching posts to glue-on claw caps that can protect your belongings from a cat’s claws without resorting to such a harsh surgical solution.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. You can’t always get it online. If you regularly need to buy pet medication, you can get a savings of up to 50 percent online.
Give cat box liners a try. These may not work for everyone, but they can be helpful if they work for you. Line the litter box with one of these liners, and then put cat litter in as usual. If it works correctly, you should be able to gather the liner and dispose of the litter. Unfortunately, sometimes cats just scratch the liner to pieces as they are doing their business.
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.
You should keep wet cat food in the refrigerator after it has been opened. Bring it to room temperature before serving it to your cat, because it will smell more enticing to them and be less likely to cause an upset stomach. If you like, place it in the microwave for a bit to warm it up.
If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. That hair will truly get everywhere! These breeds are best left to those with the time and energy to do a lot of cleaning. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
If you’re tempted to load up on litter to cut back on cleanings, think again. Some people believe that the more cat litter they use, the longer they can go between emptying the litter box. Actually, this is a waste of your litter! Many cats refuse to use a litter box with more than 2 inches of litter on the bottom. Some prefer to dig to the bottom of the box before doing their business.
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.
Medical conditions and other dietary factors may make it necessary to switch your cat from moist foods to dry formulas. Cats are finicky enough already, and many resist the change. For the first week or so, mix the dry food with a small amount of warm water to soften it up. Gradually decrease the liquid until your cat will eat the dry food. If you try this approach, do not allow the moistened food to sit for longer than 20 minutes; it could spoil.
Cats have a keen sense of smell, which makes it simple for them to feel out changes in their environment. This can be troublesome sometimes if you’re trying to feed the cat new food or give it new toys. You shouldn’t be disappointed if your cat avoids new items at first. Your cat will begin using it as soon as he is used to its smell.
Now that you have read this article, you should have a few ideas you can start using in your home. By utilizing these tips, you will be able to enjoy your cat. And when you care for your cat properly, you’ll find that your cat is happier and you can enjoy your cat that much more. Ensure you utilize these tips.