Cats make wonderful pets. Anyone who is new to cat ownership has come to the right place. Below are some great tips and tricks that every cat owner needs to know in order to live happily with their new feline friend.
Create a warm bed for an outdoor or feral cat by lining a banana box with a thick layer of newspaper. Cut a piece of Mylar to fit the bottom of the box. Put another layer of newspaper on top. Add a warm blanket. Place the whole box inside a dog house or under a porch where it can’t get wet.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. If you want to prevent this, spay your cat.
In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.
To keep your cat happy and healthy, its important to schedule regular visits to the vet. Not only are regular checkups good for catching problems early, but regular visits can insure that your cat keeps up to date on its vaccinations. If you don’t know when the last time your cat had its shots, schedule an appointment for booster shots as soon as possible.
For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it completely every three days or so. When you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don’t waste your money on liners as cats tend to destroy them.
If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.
Cats love to much on grass and plants such as catnip. There are plants however that are poisonous to cats. Chrysanthemums and holly are beautiful and common around the Holidays, but can be very toxic to cats. Other plants that are toxic or lethal include lilies, rhubarb and daffodils.
While children should help with the care and responsibilities of a cat, leave the litterbox duties to the grownups or older children. A cat’s litterbox can carry diseases and parasites. Since younger children may not follow proper handwashing procedures, this job is better left to those older and more responsible.
If you want a cat that is well-behaved and not prone to biting and scratching, make sure that you do not try to adopt one when it is too young. It takes 12-16 weeks for a kitten to learn proper cat behavior from their mom and all of their siblings.
Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. It’s not a good idea to rub your cats paws in litter. Some people think this is the way to train. It isn’t.
It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Cats never respond to punishment the way that dogs do. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Place the open carrier in an area that your cat visits often and outfit it with a favorite toy and blanket. This will teach your cat that the carrier is a good thing. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.
If you want a cat to come your way, it may be a good idea for you to refrain from looking at them. Cats do not like it when people look them directly in the eye, so they tend to go the other way. This is why it seems as if cats always gravitate toward people who are not really fond of animals.
Playtime is important for kittens as well as older cats. The best games are those that involve hunting and chasing. Try to think like your cat, choosing toys like feathers on string. The cat is attracted to the movement of the toy, so he will love to chase it if you pull it along without him seeing you. It is important to let your pet win occasionally, to keep him interested.
Do not leave the door to your washing machine or dryer open if you have cats. This is a place where cats love to crawl and take a nap, but it can be very dangerous. You don’t want to turn on the machine then find out your cat is in there. It will be very frightening for them and it may cause an injury.
There are a few human foods that can be quite dangerous if consumed by a cat. Chocolate and onions are two of the foods out there that can be toxic to cats. You should do all of the research you can to make sure that you are not giving your cat any food that can hurt them.
Choosing a cat for your next pet is a good decision. They are great at relieving stress and are very comforting. However, in order to get this satisfaction you must first understand how to care for the cat. Use these tips to achieve a great relationship.
