There are many different breeds of cats. Cats are great to have around and millions of people all around the world are enjoying them as pets right now. Continue reading to learn all you can about having a pet cat.
Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. That’ll keep kitty safe.
Avoid being kept awake by your cat romping through the house at night. When you first get your kitten, establish a habit of putting it to bed in a comfortable crate with a nice bed, litter box, food and water at night. If you start this early, your cat will appreciate having its own safe, cozy room.
If your cat is pregnant, set up a comfortable, safe place for her to have her kittens. A big cardboard box equipped with a pillow and blanket is good. Place it in the back of a closet or other out of the way place. Keep food and water dishes nearby.
Feed your cats proper food. Remember that cats must eat meat. Only give your cats cat food to eat. Do not feed them or let them eat dog food. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs and some of the ingredients in dog food could harm your cat. Feeding your cat dog food for food could also lead to malnourishment, among other issues.
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.
Do you own both a dog and a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.
Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.
Never punish a cat for a mess outside of its box. Many times this occurs because the box wasn’t well maintained. Punishment can make your cat fearful in your presence.
Do not try to hold a cat when they are clearly trying to get away. This will not make the cat feel any closer to you and it may prompt them to start avoiding you in the future. Pick the cat up gently and lay him across your lap. If you feel him wiggling to get away, let him go.
The chances are good that your cat will come running for their favorite treat. There are many different recipes out there specifically for homemade cat treats. This is a fun way to spoil your cat. There is also the benefit of knowing what exactly your cat is consuming, to ensure that it is healthy for them.
Don’t let a cat that’s had its claws removed go outside. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. Only declaw your cat if you are serious about keeping them indoors. Even so, you will only want to get the claws up front removed. The back claws should remain as they will not scratch furniture or floors.
Do you offer your cats inexpensive food, thinking that it will last longer, and you get more for your money? The truth is, cheaper foods usually lack the proper nutrients and protein cats need in order to stay healthy. Instead, they contain fillers, such as corn, to bulk up the food. Cats need to eat more of cheaper foods, but will require less of a protein-rich food that will keep him healthier in the long run.
When you’re smitten with your kitten, it’s tempting to dole out treats generously. However, treats are meant to be just that. They lack the nutritional value of regular cat food. Treats should not make up more than 5 percent of your pet’s daily diet. Any more than that may prevent your cat from receiving the nutrients it needs for good health.
If you worry about your cat getting rabies, fleas or getting exposure to fungus, don’t allow them to go outside. While some of these issues can affect a cat that stays in the house, they are more likely to experience this issues if they spend a lot of time outside.
Your cat will probably become upset if you bring another pet home. Keep newcomers isolated upon their initial homecoming. Let the cat grow accustomed to the new scents. After a few weeks, introduce the new animal to your cat.
Do not try to adopt a kitten while they are too young. This will make it more likely that they will try to scratch and bite you. They may be afraid of other cats since they didn’t stay around mom for a longer period of time. You should try waiting at least twelve weeks.
Hopefully, this article has prepared you to treat cats a bit better and deal with them in an appropriate manner. Cats can harm other pets, damage gardens and summon other cats. Of course, cats are still sensitive animals and should be handled with care! Who knows, there could even be a feral cat out there that steals your heart!
