Provided that you know how to properly care for them, cats make absolutely delightful pets. As the owner of a cat, you have the responsibility of making sure your cat has everything it needs to enjoy life. Keep reading for some great tips every cat owner should know about.
Brush and trim your cat’s fur often to keep it looking sharp. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. This can keep them clean. This will also reduce things like shedding and hairballs because it keeps them from having extra hair. Keep your cat looking at its best by grooming it well.
If you have outdoor cats, be sure to discourage pests such as coyotes, possums and raccoons by bringing cat food indoors at night. Feed your cats first thing in the morning, and make sure there is no food left at nightfall. This will keep your cats safe from attack and illness.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. Some required information on the tag would be the cat’s name and your personal phone number.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. Put it in a ventilated area to reduce odors. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.
Consider adopting multiple cats, especially it will be spending a significant amount of time alone. One cat can do fine alone, however two are not much more work or expense than one, and can keep each other company and entertain each other. This will stave off boredom, especially if you work long hours.
A cat’s nails can grow really quickly. They sharpen their nails by scratching on different surfaces like a scratching post. You can help avoid your cat destroying your furniture by clipping their nails often. This will help to discourage your cat from scratching at different things around your house.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Cat usually respond well to streams. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. Installing a drinking fountain for your cat is a more eco-friendly way to provide it with some running water.
Feed canned food to your cat. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. Your cat will get more water and more vitamins and protein. Canned food is much easier to chew for older cats. Speak with a vet, but know that wet food is normally much better for your pet.
Do not leave wet cat food in the bowl for longer than twenty minutes after your cat is done eating it. After you see your kitten is done for the time being, throw out the rest of the food and make sure to wash their bowl thoroughly with light soap and water.
Understand the difference between cat play and real aggression. Both activities can look the same to an untrained eye, but there are differences. When two cats are playing, they will bat each other around with claws retracted. They will “bite” with their jaws loose. Real aggression will involve hisses, squeals and hard biting.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
Do not leave the door to your washing machine or dryer open if you have cats. This is a place where cats love to crawl and take a nap, but it can be very dangerous. You don’t want to turn on the machine then find out your cat is in there. It will be very frightening for them and it may cause an injury.
Cats can be wonderful animals to keep as pets, but you need to properly care for them. Good cat owners will review this piece often and take its advice to heart. With a little love and effort, your cat is sure to have a happy and healthy life.
