Owning a cat can be be very rewarding. They make very comforting pets. However, there is also a lot of hard work that goes into being a cat owner. The article below has some great tips on how you can take proper care of your cat. Read on and learn.
Keep a clean litter box. Like you, a cat will generally not use a bathroom that is filthy. Find a quiet area out of the way that the box can stay in, and don’t move it unless absolutely necessary. Scoop solids out a couple time of day. Make sure to dump the whole box, wash it with a gentle detergent, and refill it once a week.
Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs. This particularly applies to flea products. These products can be fatal for your cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.
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.
Use petting to check on your cat’s health. Petting isn’t just a way for you and your cat to spend time together, but it’s a great way to find anything abnormal on their body. You can pet them to feel for bumps, lumps, or sores. This is also a great time for you to check their ears.
If your cat is overweight, there are two things you need to do. First, you have to adjust the amount of food you give them, and the other is that you need to get them exercising. Get them cat toys, or play with them yourself, to make sure they are getting the activity they need to slim down.
Get your cat sprayed and neutered to prevent diseases and infections that form in the reproductive system. This can also help reduce the chance for overpopulation in the country, as just one male who is not neutered can produce up to half a million offspring over the course of his life.
Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.
Is your cat constantly destroying your toilet paper? Make sure that your bath tissue is stopping it from rolling over the top. You can also make or buy a toilet paper cover. These covers are not expensive and will save you money if your furry friend insists on playing with your tissue.
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.
You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. A lot of time cats will take their food from their bowls to eat it on the food bowl’s side. This may make a big mess that you need to clean up. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.
If your cat has to have a surgery such as being spayed or neutered, they will need rest when they come home. It is hard to keep a cat from jumping up on furniture, but necessary to avoid pulling out stitches. Designate an area in your house for your cat to recuperate where they will be less likely to injure themselves, until they are healed enough to roam free.
Cats love high spots. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. If a cat tree is not in your future, providing a stable shelving unit with no small items on it will do very well. Make sure that this area is comfortable for your cat.
You need to buy some quality food for your cat. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.
Cats have a surprisingly acute sense of smell, making it easy for them to detect change in their environment. For example, your cat will instantly detect a new scratching post, bed, food dish, etc. Don’t be upset if the cat does not take to these items immediately. When your cat becomes more comfortable, he or she will adjust.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, there are many benefits to owning a cat for a pet. However, if you want your cat to live a long and healthy life, you must take proper care of it. Be sure and use the tips mentioned so that your cat remains happy and healthy.
