If you’re not used to cats because you’ve never had one, then you need to learn a few things first. Adopting a new kitten is a great way to help keep this population of wild animals down and you will find that a cat is a great pet to have. Keep reading for the cat care information that you crave.
If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.
Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see what’s going on around the house. Give them an alternative. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.
Consider those expensive cat litter boxes. There are cat litter boxes now that allow you to have minimal interaction with them. This can be great for anyone who is tired of cleaning a litter box. But be careful, as they may not work as easily as they claim to. If you can, make sure there is a return policy and don’t lose the receipt. You may find you prefer the old-fashioned style!
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.
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.
If you want to have your cat for many years, it is a good idea to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.
If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? The Internet has many cat forums where you can ask your questions, or simply speak with your vet.
When the cat’s litter box starts to become rough and worn at the bottom, it is time to replace it. If you leave it this way, it will cause waste to accumulate in damaged areas. Your cat may be very offended by the odor and decide to use the bathroom somewhere else in the house.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
If your cat begins defecating or urinating too frequently, it’s time to see the vet. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. Take the cat to the vet if it stops using the litter-box and let the vet diagnose the problem.
If a cat is about to give birth, provide them an area that’s spacious. Delivery can take between three and four hours. Bring your cat to her vet immediately if six hours have passed without all the kittens coming out.
Some foods that you like to consume daily might not be good for your cat to eat. Common foods that are poisonous to cats include: garlic, grapes, onions and tomatoes. These foods will cause indigestion or much worse for your cat. Milk is something that can hurt your cat’s stomach, so beware of that too.
If you are bringing a new kitten into a home with one or more cats, purchase an extra litter box so that your other cats do not have to share right away. It may take some time for your established cats to become used to the new scent in the house.
When listening to your favorite music, keep in mind that your cat’s hearing is much more sensitive than your own. Music with high pitched treble and thumping bass are particularly difficulty for your cat, so keep the volume low. To please your cat and help him relax, play something with a slower tempo.
If you are a responsible pet owner, you need to keep your cat indoors. The outdoors is no place for your pet. There are lots of dangers out in the world. Your cat can be injured by wild animals, hit by a car or get infested with bugs and diseases if you let them roam free.
Think about having your cat just be indoors. Cats allowed outside have statistically proven shorter lifespans, and are more prone to sickness. Some diseases that outdoor cats acquire can also be passed along to humans. Make sure that any indoor cat has a location to sit in sunlight.
You can now work against those stray cats and defend your residence. Cats often attack other pets and tear up your gardens if you don’t watch out. Cats need to be loved and treated with care. You may even bond with a stray cat that comes your way.
