when it comes to owning a cat, there are many things an owner needs to be responsible for. If you are considering getting a cat for a pet, this article is for you. Read on and learn what things every cat owner should know in order for their pet to be happy and healthy.
Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. It may actually cause them some serious harm. Pin the cords of your drapes up where your cat can’t get to them.
Be sure to have your pet cat spayed or neutered by the time it is six months old. A spayed or neutered cat is a more satisfactory pet because it is calmer, quieter and more likely to stay home. Neutered male cats do not spray urine to mark their territory. This is definitely a plus when it comes to cat ownership.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. You won’t have to worry that the vet won’t have all of your cat’s medical records.
For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it completely every three days or so. When you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don’t waste your money on liners as cats tend to destroy them.
If you just got your cat you want to take them to the veterinarian right away, especially if it is a feral cat or kitten. Kittens are born with parasites and need shots and medication to get rid of them. Feral cats can carry diseases. This is why it is important to have them checked out immediately.
Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.
Keep your cat amused. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. Many owners just don’t have time. Bored cats tend to develop emotional and mental disorders that may negatively impact their health. Give them toys and things to do. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.
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.
Let your cat exercise their hunting instinct. Cats are natural born hunters; however, this does not mean you need to allow mice to invade your home. Hide treats and toys throughout your home, and your cat will have a blast hunting down their treats. You can also find feather and laser toys that your cat can chase and pounce on.
If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. Many times, this is caused by failure to properly clean or place the litter box. If your punish your car, he or she is just going to become scared of you.
If you have a kitten, a very important part of raising him is to get him socialized. This means making sure he is comfortable in many situations. These include: handling by humans, grooming and nail care, vet visits, and other social situations. The time to do this is between ten and twelve weeks of age.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you must make some changes, it would be a good idea to do them gradually.
Your cat will thrive if allowed to say indoors. Cats who stay inside for most of their lives have a much better life span and are less likely to get diseases and parasites. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.
If your cat has a problem with frequent hairballs, he may end up with digestive problems, retching and vomiting. The best way to avoid hairballs is to keep your cat well-groomed, brushing him daily to remove loose hair. Less hair means less hairballs. Another benefit of frequent brushing is that is great for bonding with your cat. Most cats love to be brushed and groomed.
There are a few human foods that can be quite dangerous if consumed by a cat. Chocolate and onions are two of the foods out there that can be toxic to cats. You should do all of the research you can to make sure that you are not giving your cat any food that can hurt them.
While owning a cat has many benefits, it also requires a great deal of work. Be sure and implement the tips and tricks mentioned in the article above in order to give your cat the best life possible. A happy cat will serve as a wonderful companion for years and years.
