Cats are some of the most lovable creatures a person can own as a pet. However owning a cat comes with a lot of responsibilities. The following article will help teach you exactly what you need to know about owning a cat. Be sure to read and learn what it takes so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not a cat is a good idea for your household.
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.
Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats love being up high so that they can see. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off 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!
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
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.
When you introduce a new cat into your home, you have to be careful with how your other cat reacts. Try giving the new cat a little space in one room at first, and then introduce him to the rest of the house. Make sure to have different litter boxes at first too. If you ease the new cat in, it will go more smoothly for everyone.
If your cat has recently given birth, be sure she has a safe, private area to take care of them. Mother cats can become frightened by strangers or loud noise, sometimes leading to decreased milk production. They may also hide the kittens in places where you cannot find them, such as closets, or under beds.
Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Cats do a lot of shedding, and it helps to brush them. The more a cat sheds, the moor they should be properly brushed. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.
Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. Your cat needs to get some shots regularly to prevent different illnesses and parasites. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.
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.
Avoid any products containing phenol around your cats. Phenol is typically found in cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. Not only is the smell offensive to cats, but exposing them to this chemical for prolonged periods of time can lead to problems with their liver.
Your cat has a remarkable sense of smell, much better than humans. They detect subtle changes in their environment. For example, your cat will instantly detect a new scratching post, bed, food dish, etc. 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.
Put tape that’s sticky onto your furniture. This style tape will really make your cat stop scratching the furniture. Certain pet stores even sell this type of tape for this reason. You should also give your cat a favorable alternative by purchasing a scratching post.
If you are looking for a new home for your kitty, consider registering with an online pet adoption agency. Some of these companies screen applicants, so you will be sure that your pet is going into a good home. This is better than selling him to a creep who lurks around Craigslist all the time.
Owning a cat is not easy. It is going to require a lot of work on your part to make sure your cat remains happy and healthy. However, if you implement the advice mentioned in the article above, there is no reason why you can’t be a wonderful owner to your feline friend.
