Smart, graceful, and stealthy are all things cats are. You get this when you get a cat. With all these wonderful things also comes a major responsibility. This article should help. This article contains cat tips that are essential to your cat’s happiness, and therefore your own. Continue reading!
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.
You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). If you own electronic devices with thin cords, you should keep them out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them.
Protect your cat from choking. Be sure to dispose of poultry and fish bones safely. Wrap them in a paper or plastic bag and put them in your outdoor garbage can with the lid tightly secured. Alternately, place them in a plastic bag and freeze them until garbage pick up day.
Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also be a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome “deposits” in neighbor’s gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.
Don’t allow your cat become bored. Every cat needs exercise time and play! Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.
Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.
Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. This may make a big mess that you need to clean up. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.
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.
If your cat has to have a surgery such as being spayed or neutered, they will need rest when they come home. It is hard to keep a cat from jumping up on furniture, but necessary to avoid pulling out stitches. Designate an area in your house for your cat to recuperate where they will be less likely to injure themselves, until they are healed enough to roam free.
If your cat goes outdoors a lot, the chances are good that they come home filthy once in a while. When your cat is especially dirty or smelling like a skunk, you should make an appointment with the local groomer. Groomers will be gentle with your cat, resulting in a less traumatic experience.
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. If your punish your car, he or she is just going to become scared of you.
There are a lot of cats that are overweight. An obese cat can end up developing health problems such as arthritis or diabetes. If your cat could stand to lose a pound or two, try cutting back their food a little bit at each feeding. You can also buy some toys and encourage your cat to play and exercise.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
Most cats are prone to wax build up and ear mites. You can purchase a solution at the pet store that will clean out your cats ears. You put a couple drops in each of your cats ears and then hold them closed while massaging them for a minute. When you let go, stand back or you will get covered in the liquid when your cat shakes its head.
After you read the above information you should have a wealth of cat knowledge at your disposal. You’ll be a better person for it. 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. Put these tips into practice and reap the benefits.