There are few pets as rewarding to own as a cat. Cats are entertaining and can keep rodents away. By preventing pests from getting into the home, it is safe to say cats are real heroes.
Check your cat for ticks and fleas every week. If your cat does have fleas, there is a good chance that you also have fleas in your home. You might need some flea bombs or premise-control sprays, along with treating the cat, to get rid of the issue. If you don’t know what products to use for controlling ticks and fleas, talk to your vet for some safe options.
As your cat gets older, changes in behavior may signal pain. If your cat doesn’t like to jump or climb any more, it may be in pain. If your cat stops taking care of grooming or stops using its litter box, pain may be the cause. Be sure to have your older cat checked out by your vet if you notice behavior changes.
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.
A great toy for your cat is a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the laser around and try to catch it. This will help you give your cat some exercise, while your cat is having fun at the same time. It will also help to fine-tune their hunting skills.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
Cats are usually more active during the night. This means that they will be the most active at night time. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. This will stop them from bothering you at night, and playing with your feet beneath the covers.
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.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
Brush your cat regularly. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.
You should not get rid of your cat’s old scratching post. Cats love them! If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.
If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.
Make sure you consider where you are going to place the cat’s litter box. Do not hide the box simply to reduce the smell. However, it is important to keep their litter box in an area they can easily get to. It helps to make life easy for the cat, as they can be quite picky about things. If your litter box is on a cold surface, place a rug or mater underneath it.
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.
Use aversives to deter your feline friend from going places where it is not allowed. An aversive is anything that creates an undesirable environment for your cat. Examples include shelf paper (sticky side facing upward) and tinfoil. Most cats prefer to avoid these textures at all costs. You can also use carpet tape that has adhesive on both sides.
There are many dangers, such as fleas, rabies or fungus, that you should consider before you let your cat outside. Although an indoor cat can be affected by a few of these things, they will be more prone to experiencing these issues if they are outside a lot.
Millions of pet owners infinitely prefer the company of cats to that of barking, drooling dogs. Cats can provide your home with a peaceful serenity, which dogs rarely do. In addition, cats are extremely gentle and loving. Because of all these things, cats are very popular household pet. Utilize this advice to ensure that you are raising your cat right.
