Cats have co-existed with people for many centuries. They’ve been subjects in many musicals, movies, and poems. After this much interaction with humans, it is predictable that many cats seem to believe that they are running the show. Read on to get some input on how to establish yourself as the one in command of your household. You may even pick up a few other essential tips as well.
Before acquiring a cat, be sure that you have the wherewithal to take care of all necessary vet care. Cats reproduce at an alarming rate, and spaying or neutering is essential to keeping cat population under control. Check spay, neuter and vaccination costs and packages with local vets and clinics and be sure you can afford to give your cat proper medical care.
It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. It is possible that a dog’s product could cause a serious adverse effect on a cat. Flea products should not be used on cats in any circumstance. Canine flea products can be lethal to a cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.
For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it completely every three days or so. When you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don’t waste your money on liners as cats tend to destroy them.
Save your furniture with scratching posts and pads. It is natural for cats to want to stretch their claws out and scratch. This does not mean that a cat owner must have damaged furniture. Provide your cat with places that it is okay to scratch and redirect them there if they decide to try out your sofa. Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and materials and some cats prefer a particular type so it may take some trial and error before you find the right combination for your kitty.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.
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.
While children should help with the care and responsibilities of a cat, leave the litterbox duties to the grownups or older children. A cat’s litterbox can carry diseases and parasites. Since younger children may not follow proper handwashing procedures, this job is better left to those older and more responsible.
If your cat has bad breath, a trip to the vet is in order. Bad breath in cats can be a red flag for tooth decay or more serious conditions. These include diabetes, stomach problems and lung disorders. So, if your cat’s breath smells worse than the food he eats, get to the bottom of the issue before it gets out of control.
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.
A kitty door is a great way to allow your cat to go in and out, without any help from you. You can also use kitty doors on doors inside your home. This can be great if you have a dog or small children, to keep them out of the room with the litter box.
If you are expecting a child, this is more than enough reason for you to have your pet spayed or neutered. Some cats get very aggressive when they see little ones in the house. After having this procedure done it is less likely for your cat to do anything to harm the baby.
If you decide to declaw your cat, never allow it to go outside. A clawless cat will have no defense against other animals, and when they’re outside they’ll run risk of death or injury. Indoor cats are the only ones that should be de-clawed. Even so, only remove the front claws when you do so. A cat’s back claws are not used when scratching furniture, so those can be left.
Cats have a surprisingly acute sense of smell, making it easy for them to detect change in their environment. This may cause issues if they have a new bed, scratching post, or food dish. Don’t worry if the cat isn’t happy with the items when you first bring them home. Your cat is going to like them more as they acquire your home’s smell.
There are a few human foods that can be quite dangerous if consumed by a cat. Chocolate and onions are two of the foods out there that can be toxic to cats. You should do all of the research you can to make sure that you are not giving your cat any food that can hurt them.
Sometimes, cats may think they know it all. Though with the advice from this article, you can help your cat recognize your rightful place in the relationship. The love of cats is a great one, so enjoy!
