Cats are among the most popular pets in the world. They make excellent companions and require much less work than owning a dog. However, it is important to note there you still have several responsibilities to take care of when you own a cat. The article below will show you what those responsibilities are.
Make sure to keep your cat’s litter box clean at all times. Most cats do not like to use a dirty litter box, much like you would not want to use a dirty toilet. Scoop it at least once a day. Empty and give it a good cleaning once a week or more if needed.
Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. If you can, stick with one vet for your cat’s entire life. This helps make sure your vet knows your cat’s history.
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.
A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. This approach takes time, but it usually works.
Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. Not only will your cat appreciate it but you will too.
Get your cat a breakaway collar. Make sure it has tags that reflect a phone number, even if you are uncomfortable with an address. Cats can run outdoors or slip away, and you don’t want to worry that you’ll never see your cat again. Make sure that there is adequate information so you can be reached.
Do not try to bathe a kitten that is less than four weeks old. It is not very easy for a young kitten to regulate the temperature of their body. This may result in the kitten getting a chill. To be on the safe side you should wait between 12 and 16 weeks after they are born to bathe them for the first time.
You should not train your cat to use a litter box. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. A common misconception is to rub your cats paws into the kitty litter however this isn’t a good idea.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
Dogs let you know when they are excited and/or happy when they wag their tails. A cat may look like it is wagging its tail, but it is completely different than what a dog does. In cats, wagging of the tail tends to indicate conflict or anxiety. If kitty starts wagging his tail while you’re holding him, it’s best to put him down so you don’t get scratched.
When it comes to cat litter, you should scoop out all of the waste on a daily basis. Cats will not use a litter box that is overflowing with waste, and they will start looking for somewhere else to use the bathroom. Change the entire box at least once every few weeks.
If your cat has a problem with frequent hairballs, he may end up with digestive problems, retching and vomiting. The best way to avoid hairballs is to keep your cat well-groomed, brushing him daily to remove loose hair. Less hair means less hairballs. Another benefit of frequent brushing is that is great for bonding with your cat. Most cats love to be brushed and groomed.
If you have a cat that goes outdoors, consider having him micro chipped. A micro chip will help someone to locate you if they ever find your pet. This is especially important if your pet lands in a shelter, as shelters give pets a limited time if they cannot locate the owner easily.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, owning a cat can be a wonderful experience. However, it is going to require some work on your part. Be sure and use the information provided in this article so that you are taking proper care of your cat. Doing so will ensure that your cat lives a long and happy life.
