Cats can be wonderful companions. Cats are very independent animals, but they still need you to take good care of them. Implement the tips in the article below to make sure your cat leads a long and happy life.
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.
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.
Cats and electrical cords don’t mix. If you notice your cat has a habit of chewing on electric cords, try to bundle them up and hide them out of the cat’s reach. If that’s not possible, spray a little bit of bitter apple onto the cords. Not only is bitter apple non-toxic, cats absolutely hate the taste.
Keep the litter box clean. Cats are naturally very clean animals, and a dirty litter box will have your cat looking for alternative places to relieve himself. Cats also value their privacy, so try to locate the box in an area that does not get a lot of foot traffic.
Take your cat to the vet periodically. A lot of cat owners tend to avoid the vet because it can be harder to get a cat ready to go anywhere she does not want to go! It is also easy to avoid the vet because cats seem so self-reliant. However, it’s smart to get your cat to the vet to avoid any problems.
Although your cat’s old scratching post may look very worn out, you shouldn’t throw it away. To your cat the post is just right. If you toss it away in favor of something newer, your cat may look for something older to scratch, and that may end up being your furniture.
Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. Your first instinct may be to hide it away out of sight and out of smelling range. However, your cat’s litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. Understand that cats are extremely picky. If its litter box is not in a convenient location, then your cat might not use it. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a rug or mat under it.
Clean your cat’s eyes as frequently as possible because their vision is extremely important and extremely sensitive. Cats interpret five times as much visual stimuli during their day and the smallest particle can become stuck and cause damage. A pair of thumbs and a damp cloth are perfect for clearing the eyes and keeping your cat clean.
It might seem like a little much for an animal, but you should comb your cat’s hair as often as possible. Combing the hair helps prevent the cat from licking loose fur and building a furball to spit up later. Different cats shed at different rates and some require a lot more maintenance than others.
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 you have a problem with your cats scratching furniture and doors, here is a natural way to curb this destructive behavior. Take a cloth, or soft brush, and apply a thin coating of citrus juice or hot sauce to the areas your cat is scratching. Try to find something that will not discolor the wood. Cats hate citrus and anything spicy, and should eventually learn to avoid these areas.
Keep your eyes open for any signs of panting in your cat. Panting is normal for a dog. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.
Did you obtain cat when you did not have a job and you are now returning to work? If so, then your cat is very likely to get bored and lonely. One tried-and-true way to keep a cat from getting lonely is to pair it up with another cat.
Even though no two cats are the same, certain breeds are known to possess unique characteristics. For example, bengals and other exotic breeds are notoriously active, especially at night. They have high energy levels and are less cuddly than other domestic cats. Bring home a bengal if you love a unique look and are willing to actively engage your pet.
A fun, intelligent and loving cat is a great pet for your family. There are some things you need to learn to keep your cat healthy and energetic, though. Learn all you can to be the best cat owner possible. Your cat will enjoy a full and comfortable life.
