Cats and humans have lived together for centuries. They’ve been the focus of books, TV shows and even theater plays. Thus, it isn’t hard to understand why they seem to feel superior. The article below contains some great advice for handling and caring for your cat.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. Having a clean fur coat helps reduce the amount of hairballs that get spit up around the house. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.
If your cat is an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
Don’t be pushy when you are getting to know your new cat. Cats prefer to be in control and take things at their own pace. Make sure your new cat is comfortable and safe. Let your cat take its time exploring its new environment. When your cat feels at home, it will be more likely to try to make friends with you.
If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.
Refrain from giving your cat any food that is spoiled. This can lead to indigestion and food poisoning, which can cost you a trip to the veterinarian. Always buy your food fresh from the store and be sure to check the expiration date before you feed it to your cat.
Find out how much food you are supposed to be feeding your cat. While cat food containers give general information, find out from your vet how much food your cat should be eating. Many owners do not do this, and end up overfeeding their cats. Take the time to find out the proper amount so you don’t end up with an overweight kitty.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Cats’ bones are more fragile than those of dogs, so they need gentler treatment.
Have patience with your cat. Remember that your cat is not a dog, and may not be as easily trainable as one. However, if you are being clear in your commands and gently encouraging them, you’ll find that your cat responds the way you want him to. Just be patient.
When your cat has kittens, it can be tempting to get rid of them as soon as possible, but you should wait a reasonable amount of time. A kitten needs to learn a few things from mom before going off into the world alone, so give him six weeks to learn all he can.
If you have more than one cat, you need more than one litter box. Ideally, each cat should have its own box. This prevents the box from becoming overfilled or crowded. An unappealing shared litter box sometimes causes cats to take their bathroom business elsewhere in your house. As you can imagine, this can be quite a nasty surprise!
If there is a place where your cat likes to use the bathroom other than the litter box, there is a simple way to deal with this. There are sprays formulated to be very offensive to cats. If you apply this spray in these areas, the cat will stay away from there.
Pay attention if your cat won’t use their litter box. A common sign that a cat has a medical condition is failure to use the bathroom in the litter box. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.
Keep your cat inside as often as you can. Indoor cats live longer and stay healthier. If you want to give your indoor cat some outdoor time, exercise with them. That way, your cat gets some fresh air, sunshine and outdoor scenery without the risks of free-roamers.
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.
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.
Your cat will think it is the boss of everything. However, it is possible to get a cat to realize that it is actually you who is in charge. People enjoy cats because they’re great as pets, and you can use the above advice to make sure you’re giving your pet a great life.
