If you are looking for a pet to share your days with, a cat is a wonderful choice. While these animals are very independent, they are also great companions. However, there are a few things that you need to be aware of when it comes to their care and how to help them have a happy life.
Feed your cats proper food. Remember that cats must eat meat. Only give your cats cat food to eat. Do not feed them or let them eat dog food. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs and some of the ingredients in dog food could harm your cat. Feeding your cat dog food for food could also lead to malnourishment, among other issues.
Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. They usually offer us warm companionship, and they require the same. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.
If you going to be gone for more than a day, you should have someone look in on your cat. Leave out plenty of food, but have someone come to make sure it doesn’t run out. If you do not have a neighbor or family to look in on your cat, you can usually find a cat sitter for a few dollars each day.
Cats are pretty low maintenance pets. They do not need as much attention and one-on-one time as dogs do. Cleaning the litter box is one of the most dreaded chores in the house. Investing in a good self-cleaning litter box can help to reduce the amount of times you have to clean it out.
Use your cat to teach your children responsibilities. A pet demands care that the whole family can participate in. Each child can take different day to feed the cat, for instance. Same thing for litterbox care. You can make a schedule and post it on the refrigerator. Then, everyone knows what they are responsible for.
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.
Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. Kids of this age aren’t old enough to know how dangerous a cat can be. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.
If your cat does not use the litter box, do not use punishments to try to discipline him. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.
If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. When a post is worn, your cats may enjoy it more. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.
If you’re tempted to load up on litter to cut back on cleanings, think again. Some people believe that the more cat litter they use, the longer they can go between emptying the litter box. Actually, this is a waste of your litter! Many cats refuse to use a litter box with more than 2 inches of litter on the bottom. Some prefer to dig to the bottom of the box before doing their business.
Encourage your child to play with cats by using toys, not by using their fingers and hands. Choose toys that put distance between the child’s hands and the cat’s teeth and claws. During a vigorous play session, an excited kitten is more likely to accidentally scratch its playmate’s skin. For example, you might use a long wand-type toy with a dangling feather or bell.
Keep an eye out for panting. Dogs normally do pant. While excessive panting may be a symptom of anxiety, it may also be a symptom of something more serious. It is wise to consult your vet, especially if the cat has past respiratory problems.
If your cat could stand to lose a few pounds, choose foods that help the animal to feel full. If the cat acts like it is hungry all the time, you will be tempted to feed (and overfeed) it. Look for cat foods that contain higher amounts of protein and fiber. This also promotes a healthy digestive system, which contributes to weight loss.
For some cat owners, the only way to make sure their pet is clean and properly groomed is to bathe them. However, bathing a cat is usually not necessary, unless he has had a mishap, or gets overly dirty. Cats spend much of their time grooming themselves, using their barbed tongues to clean dirt and debris from their fur. Cats are pretty particular about the way they look.
If you have a diabetic cat, consider a grain free diet. There are many studies that show grains will increase blood sugar readings and cause problems for a cat with a diagnosis of diabetes. You can choose to go grain free with a raw food diet for your friend or purchase a ready made food that is missing wheat, corn and soy.
You can’t go wrong by selecting a cat as your animal companion. They are smart, they generally don’t require as much care as dogs and they can provide you with the affection that you are craving. However, remember that cats still require a number of things from their owner. Use the tips above to help you carve out a good life for your pet.
