If you own or are considering owning a cat: congratulations! Animals of the feline persuasion are some of the most amazing companions you can find anywhere. The following article will provide you with expert tips on managing life with your cat and in taking care of him. Read on for fun and helpful information.
If you have multiple cats, save money on cat dishes by checking your local dollar store for salsa dishes. You can usually get a package of three for a dollar. These are sturdy and come in pretty colors. They look nice in your kitchen, and they are just the right size for cat food.
Properly groom your cat. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.
Make a free toy for your cat by placing a little dry rice or a few dry beans inside an empty pill bottle. Close the lid and roll the rattly toy across the floor. Most cats can’t resist the sound and motion. You can also tie a length of twine around the neck of the bottle to make a pull toy or a dangly toy.
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. Hide those loose cords and keep them out of sight in no longer needed paper towel rolls. The cords on electronics should be hidden as well.
Cats love to much on grass and plants such as catnip. There are plants however that are poisonous to cats. Chrysanthemums and holly are beautiful and common around the Holidays, but can be very toxic to cats. Other plants that are toxic or lethal include lilies, rhubarb and daffodils.
Cats are generally nocturnal. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.
The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your kitty will thank you.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
Cats can really be so much more than pets, they can be lifelong companions. It has been proven that cats can decrease your blood pressure, lessen the symptoms of depression and help you to live a longer happier life. If you feel like something is missing in your life, you might just need a cat.
Brush your cat’s coat often. Brushing spreads natural oils throughout a cat’s fur, and also helps stimulate blood flow in their skin. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. This will help to eliminate hairballs, which build in your cat’s stomach and prevents it from grooming itself.
If you suspect your cat has sprayed in your home but can not find the area, there is hope. Purchasing an inexpensive black light can save you from having to rip up your carpets. Your cats urine will glow under the black light, showing you exactly where to clean.
If you have ever given your cat a bath, then you know how much they shiver when it is over. This is because their wet fur provides them with no insulation. You can help your cat out by using your hairdryer to dry the hair fast. Just remember not to hold it too close and burn your cat.
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.
Never give your pet any drugs that were designed for use by humans. If you have a sick cat it is best to take them to someone who specializes in animal sickness, such as a veterinarian. Drugs and medicines designed for human consumption can cause serious health problems for cats, and in extreme cases, can even be fatal.
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.
Clean your cat’s litter box. Cats will use litter boxes on instinct if they know where to find it. Let your cat go naturally and don’t manually force it to go by putting it in the box or pushing it to scratch the litter. Keep the box in a private place, scoop its contents on a daily basis and give it a periodic wash.
Cats are said to be very intuitive and sometimes more helpful as companions than even other humans! If you own one, you already know this! Hopefully this article has given you answers to the questions you have about cats and set you straight on important issues. Enjoy your cat for many years to come.
