Poet T.S. Eliot once made a quote about cats. He said that cats were designed in a way that a home depends on them, and that is a true statement in a way. A cat is often a valuable member of the family, especially if it is healthy and happy. Unfortunately, cats aren’t always the easiest creatures to live with. This article can help you figure out how to get along well with your cat.
Watch the amount of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you do give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a regular routine.
If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
To keep your cat healthy and strengthen its bond with you, always set aside lots of play time. Kittens especially need lots of attention, which you can easily give to them through play. Pull a piece of string around for a fun and gentle way to keep a cat entertained for hours!
Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.
Cats are hunters by nature. They love to chase mice and other small animals and insects. Buying little fuzzy mice filled with catnip and batting them around with your cat is a great idea. Your cat will feel as though they are really hunting prey. This will also help you to connect with your cat better.
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.
Wash your cat’s bed at least once a week to remove all of the bacteria from it. Even if the bed looks like it is clean, it will usually have toxins in it that can cause your pet to become sick. Replace the bed every six months to keep your cat in a sanitary environment.
Should you leave the house with your cat, make sure that she is wearing a collar with tags. This way, if anything happens and you two become separated, anyone can find her and know how to reach you. Your cat may not like the collar all the time, but when she’s out of the house it can save her.
A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side. This can lead to a big clean-up. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.
If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. As you develop a relationship with your cat over time, it will become easier to determine why she is meowing. She will let you know when her demands are for food or when you need to let her out. You should pay attention to these cues and you will eventually learn to decipher them.
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. It’s sometimes tempting to put the box somewhere that you don’t have to smell or see it. You have to accept the fact that easy access for your cat is the first priority in choosing a spot for the litter box. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.
If your cat is pregnant, make sure she has plenty of room to give birth. Giving birth to all the kittens can take hours, so you shouldn’t expect things to be over and done with quickly. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.
When you are looking to finally adopt a new kitten, but don’t want to spend big bucks on an expensive bloodline, you should investigate your local shelters. Most animal shelters offer dogs and cats that need a home badly, regardless of their heritage or costs.You may be able to find a similar cat with a different cost.
Place some sticky tape on your furniture. This style tape will really make your cat stop scratching the furniture. Some companies make tape specifically for this purpose. Using this tape, along with a scratching post is a great way to keep your cat from scratching up your furniture.
Nothing about being a pet owner is simple. From a cat that knocks dishes off shelves or one who likes to pee on the couch, there are solutions for all of your problems. Before long, your cat will spend more time purring and less time complaining.
