Cats can be difficult to please. They are often mysterious from the moment they enter your home. That said, if you know what you are doing, you’ll get better outcomes, even if you don’t completely understand what your cat wants. Read the following tips to find out everything there is to know about a cat.
Cats like sneaking into small spaces. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. Put a breakaway collar on instead. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.
Get a pet water fountain. Cats can be prone to dehydration, and running water entices them to drink. It is an evolutionary habit that developed because in the wild, running water is less likely to be contaminated than a stagnant pool. Your pet will enjoy the water more, and will drink more often.
If you replace an old scratching post, your cat may be unhappy with the new one. Save money on scratching posts. Wrap your old scratching post with some sisal rope to spiff it up. Your cat will be happy not to lose its favorite old post. You will save a little cash.
Protect your cat from strangling by making sure the cords of curtains and blinds are secured and out of reach. When you make or purchase a dangly toy for your cat, be sure to supervise during play. Put the toy away if you will not be around to watch.
Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. You may be able to battle this issue by giving your cat a high place to chill. A carefully placed cat tower in the kitchen will keep cats away from the counter.
Get a scratching post to keep your cat from tearing up your carpet. If you can, get a post that does not have the same type of carpet that is on the floor of your home, so your cat doesn’t associate the two. Instead, get a post that is covered in cardboard, sisal, or thick rope.
Wash your cat’s bed at least once a week to remove all of the bacteria from it. Even if the bed looks like it is clean, it will usually have toxins in it that can cause your pet to become sick. Replace the bed every six months to keep your cat in a sanitary environment.
Find a litter that your cat enjoys. Different litters have different smells and textures, so help your cat to find a litter that he is generally comfortable with using. Cats generally like to keep things the same though, so don’t experiment too often or your cat may avoid the litter box.
Cats have a natural instinct to hunt small prey. This can sometimes be a problem if you have other small animals in your home. Make sure that bird cages are hanging from the ceiling. If you have a gerbil or hamster, make sure their cages are secure and up high out of your cats reach.
You should not train your cat to use a litter box. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.
Feed your cat top quality food. Always look at the ingredients first. You want to see either fish, chicken or beef noted. Don’t give your cat foods that have corn or other elements that have no protein. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.
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.
When taking your cat or kitten to the vet, or to other places that involve a car ride, it is wise to socialize him to this situation. Try taking your cat, always in a carrier, on short rides, adding time to the ride every so often. Getting your pet used to the car can mean the end of his fear and frustration, as well as yours.
If your cat is bitten by another cat, try to get him to the vet within 24 hours. The vet can put him on antibiotics that will protect him from infection setting in, and causing serious health problems. Cat bites can trap bacteria under your cat’s skin, forming an abscess, or other dangerous infection that can cost you hundreds of dollars to treat later.
If your cat is not getting trained to use the litter box as fast as you would like, there are sprays available that can make things a bit easier. These sprays have a scent that will attract your cat to the box, which means they will be more likely to go there when they need to use the bathroom.
The things that this article has taught you should have you taking the best care of your pet you possibly can. Use the advice to ensure your cat’s needs are met. Once your cat is happy, you will be too. Well, perhaps!
