As wonderful and delightful as pet cats are, caring for them is definitely not easy. As a responsible pet owner, it is important that you take the time needed to educate yourself on all that there is to know about caring for a cat. This article contains cat care advice to help you be the best cat owner you can be.
Set up a nice, warm and comfortable area for your cat to rest in your home. It should be lined with a warm towel or blanket. Make sure to wash the bedding regularly since it can acquire dust, dander, and anything from outside if your cat is an outdoor 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.
Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They want to feel like a contented and satisfied member of the family.
Give serious thought to spaying or neutering your cat. Your vet can give you the pros and cons of both, but if you plan to keep your cat for a long period of time you should consider this operation. Cat overpopulation is a real problem, and you can do your part.
Play with your cat. A lot of cat owners don’t do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags and any number of small toys to get your cat moving.
When you introduce a new cat into your home, you have to be careful with how your other cat reacts. Try giving the new cat a little space in one room at first, and then introduce him to the rest of the house. Make sure to have different litter boxes at first too. If you ease the new cat in, it will go more smoothly for everyone.
If you suspect your cat has sprayed in your home but can not find the area, there is hope. Purchasing an inexpensive black light can save you from having to rip up your carpets. Your cats urine will glow under the black light, showing you exactly where to clean.
If your cat has bad breath, a trip to the vet is in order. Bad breath in cats can be a red flag for tooth decay or more serious conditions. These include diabetes, stomach problems and lung disorders. So, if your cat’s breath smells worse than the food he eats, get to the bottom of the issue before it gets out of control.
Use sticky tape to protect your furniture. This type of tape helps prevent your cat from scratching your furniture if it does this constantly. Some pet stores sell tape especially for this. You should also give your cat a favorable alternative by purchasing a scratching post.
When choosing what type of cat to bring home, consider your lifestyle. Do you travel often? How long are you at home? If you will not spend a good deal of time in the company of your new pet, adopt a more mature cat. Kittens require considerable care and are easily frightened when alone. A mature cat requires care as well, but should fare well when you aren’t at home.
Make sure to feed your diet pet food specifically made for cats. While a bag of dog food might be cheaper pound for pound, it will not contain the necessary vitamins, minerals and especially protein content to keep your cats healthy. Giving a cat dog food on a regular basis can also cause kidney failure and other serious illnesses.
Make sure that your cat wears a collar with a tag on it at all times. Cats can escape. If your cat ever wanders off, a collar with an i.d. tag makes it more likely that someone will bring him home.
Avoid gifting your child with a new cat during the holidays. It is simply too busy a time to care for the animal properly. Try taking your kid to a shelter or pet store so that they can choose their pet.
Get your cat “fixed.” Cats are extremely curious. Even your indoor cat will always look for ways to go outside. And if your cat goes outside on a normal basis, it’s even more important that you get them fixed. Overpopulation is a huge problem among cats today.
The way to take good care of your cat is to groom them often. Use a brush to remove any excess hair. Cats usually enjoy being brushed and will come running to you when they see the brush in your hand. Keep their nails trimmed so they do not grow back and injure their paws.
Cats are pretty good at entertaining themselves and are very independent. This does not mean they like to be alone. Make some time to play with your cat. This gives them the bonding they need with their owner. Playtime and love are the two best things that you can provide for your cat.
Obviously, cats like water. But, did you know that running water is particularly interesting to them? Cats are generally dehydrated most of the time, so a fountain is more likely to get them to drink enough water to stay healthy. As they age, your cat will be healthier and happier as a result.
Although cats make amazing pets, it is crucial that they are cared for in a proper manner. Utilize all of the cat care tips and advice you have learned from this article to ensure that your kitty stays healthy and enjoys a wonderful, fulfilling life. He or she will definitely appreciate it.
