Few animals give a pet owner more satisfaction than the feline. They are smart, funny and have a level of arrogance to compete with some of the most conceded humans there are! Most of all though, cats need love and attention. The following article offers tips on caring for your feline friend.
Cats love to play so make sure that you provide them with lots of toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is not only fun, it helps them to get exercise too.
Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline’s bed. Change every few hours if you like.
If you have a male cat, it is important to have him neutered before he goes into heat. When male cats start maturing, they will begin to spray around the house. It smells like ammonia and is hard to remove. Having your male cat neutered can help to prevent this from happening.
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 absolutely must bathe a cat, set everything up in advance. Set up two tubs large enough to dunk a cat. Fill them with comfortably warm water. Set your open bottle of cat shampoo, a heavy towel, and a secure pet carrier close by. Wear heavy rubber gloves. Grasp your cat by the scruff of the neck. Dunk, shampoo and scrub quickly in one tub. Dunk to rinse in the second tub. Wrap the cat securely in the towel and place in the carrier to dry.
Make your own enclosed litter box from a large tote box with a lid. Use a coffee can lid as a pattern to cut a door in one side of the tote. Place the coffee can lid fairly high up on the side of the tote. Trace around it with a permanent marker. Cut out the circle with tin snips or a box cutter. Add litter. Put on the lid.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.
Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If you have trouble sleeping because of cats, you may want to close the door to your bedroom. This will keep them from attacking your toes.
It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.
If you want to have your cat for many years, it is a good idea to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.
While children should help with the care and responsibilities of a cat, leave the litterbox duties to the grownups or older children. A cat’s litterbox can carry diseases and parasites. Since younger children may not follow proper handwashing procedures, this job is better left to those older and more responsible.
Do you have both a dog and a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. Consider placing the cat food on a location away from where the dog can reach. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.
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.
If you want a cat to come your way, it may be a good idea for you to refrain from looking at them. Cats do not like it when people look them directly in the eye, so they tend to go the other way. This is why it seems as if cats always gravitate toward people who are not really fond of animals.
Cats have a certain way about them which really can’t be described with words. To own one though, surely is to love one! Hopefully this article has helped you in your quest to learn more about cats and taking care of them. They are amazing companions and you should enjoy yours for many years to come.
