Caring for a cat is not always easy. After all, the cat can’t talk to you and let you know what you’re doing wrong, and cats are so independent that sometimes you don’t think they need you at all. This article has some smart suggestions to help you care for your cat in a way that they can appreciate.
Create a warm bed for an outdoor or feral cat by lining a banana box with a thick layer of newspaper. Cut a piece of Mylar to fit the bottom of the box. Put another layer of newspaper on top. Add a warm blanket. Place the whole box inside a dog house or under a porch where it can’t get wet.
Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
Take your cat to the vet every year. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.
Keep dangerous chemicals away from your cat. Just like children, cats need to be kept away from items like cleaning materials since they could harm them. These chemicals are basically poison and if your cats consumes some or gets some on them, they could get very sick, get burned, or possibly die. Store these items in a place where your cat can’t find them or use a child-proof lock on their location.
Check your cats ears frequently for ear mites. You may notice your cat shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot if they have them. They are tiny parasites that look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. If you have more than one cat, they can also travel from cat to cat. See a vet before using any medication on them since their ears need properly cleaned first.
When training a cat, take the proper approach. Encouragement works better than anger. If you are trying to teach a kitten to use a litterbox, for instance, yelling will only frighten a small cat. When the cat starts to go outside the box, gently place them in the box so they learn.
When bringing a new kitten home, take it slow. It is tempting for children to want to play with the new addition to your home immediately. But the young cat will likely be scared. Give the cat time to acclimate itself to your home and to get comfortable with everyone.
Brush your cat on a regular basis. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin’s blood flow. It also gets rid of shedding hair. This avoids the hairball problem, which may lead to choking and a buildup of hair in the stomach.
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.
Just as important as it is to take care of your own teeth, you need to take care of your cats as well. Cats can develop tarter and plaque build-up over time. Purchasing a toothbrush and toothpaste made specially for felines is a great way to keep your cats teeth clean and healthy.
Is your cat shedding like a madman? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This will make your cat’s coat nice and smooth.
Do not place the cat litter box in the same area where you place the bowl your cat eats from. Cats want a clear separation between the two areas, so make sure you give it to them. It is not likely you would want to eat in the same place where you use the bathroom, so give your cat the same courtesy.
Buy a pet drinking fountain to prevent dehydration. Cats are attracted to running water, so a pet drinking fountain may help to encourage your cat to drink more. Proper hydration can cure and prevent a large number of feline health problems. Therefore, a pet drinking fountain could improve the health of your cat and reduce vet bills.
To keep your cat using the litter box, always keep it clean. No matter what kind of scented or special formula litters you may use, nothing is a substitute for removing clumps and used litter several times a day. Keep your litter box in a quiet area of your home.
Some people who own cats may believe their cats need bathing in order to stay clean. But know that you don’t need to bathe any cat unless they are extremely dirty. Cats are addicted to being clean and spend a lot of time grooming themselves. They have barbed tongues that allow them to remove lots of dirt from their coats. Cats are really picky about how they look.
When caring for your cat, make sure to trim his nails on a regular basis. Many cats end up in shelters every year because owners become angry when they scratch furniture and flooring. If you keep your cats nails trimmed, this will be less of a problem. Invest in a good pair of nail clippers, and use them on a weekly basis.
Your cat may never say thank you, but if you use the tips laid out here, you will know she is well cared for. Just try each tip and watch for your cat’s reaction. You will know whether it is working for your cat by her reaction. Even though it isn’t easy, you can be a wonderful owner to a happy cat.
