Nothing is as great as hearing your cat get excited and start purring. This is a relaxing sound and can put you at ease. This is a good example of why you must take responsibility to take care of your cat well so that they can be happy. This article will give you some tips on caring for your pet so read along.
Drape Cords
Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This could even choke them to death. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.
If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.
If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.
Contact Information
Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Most vets and all shelters can scan these chips to get your contact information and there is no risk of losing the chip.
Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. Try closing the door if your cats are keeping you awake at night. This will ensure they don’t pounce on you at nighttime, or wake you up in other ways.
Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Your cat will enjoy your company if you pet and play with her. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. Make them feel at home.
Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Let your kids know where the cat can go. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.
You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.
Litter Box
Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
Your cat should like their carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. They need positive reinforcement. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. Over time, the cat will feel comfortable and go inside the carrier. Let it happen naturally or with only mild coaxing. Do not get angry. It’s a much easier way to get the cat in.
Feed your cat quality cat food. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Don’t give your cat foods that have corn or other elements that have no protein. Cats are meant to eat meat, and that means that they need to have foods that are high in protein.
Move the litter box if your cat won’t use it. Whenever a cat is using the restroom, it feels vulnerable; therefore, the litter box needs to be kept in a safe and quiet location. Areas away from high activity are a good choice, such as basements and laundry rooms.
Try to feed your cat dry food as much as possible. Kittens need wet food due to the size of their teeth. As kittens get their adult teeth, the hard food helps their keep teeth strong. If you have a cat that is a picky eater, try combining dry cat food with a wet version.
Put sticky tape on furniture. If they scratch the upholstery up, place some tape on it to keep them from doing it. Some companies make tape specifically for this purpose. You can put this tape on your furniture and get a scratching post to get your cat out of this habit.
It’s best to keep your pet cat indoors. Most cats that reside outdoors tend to lead shorter lives, and are more easily apt to get a disease that could seriously harm them. Some of these diseases can even be passed on to your family. To make a cat feel like it is outdoors, ensure you have a room with plenty of natural light in it for your cat to enjoy.
A purring cat is a happy one, so make sure you take good care of him. Cats are graceful and attractive animals, and their care can be facilitated using the tips in this article. If you want to hear your cat purr more, give these tips a try.