Cats are amazing animals and some of the most interesting domesticated friends humans can have. There’s a reason so many families choose to welcome cats, and that cats are present in great numbers in virtually every human community. It can pose quite the challenge and be difficult at first when they are brought indoors. These smart and feisty creatures can be hardheaded and often require advanced care.
Good grooming is important for cats. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. This leads to a cleaner cat. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.
Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. A breakaway collar is a good option since it will break if your cat pulls on it. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.
If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
As your cat gets older, changes in behavior may signal pain. If your cat doesn’t like to jump or climb any more, it may be in pain. If your cat stops taking care of grooming or stops using its litter box, pain may be the cause. Be sure to have your older cat checked out by your vet if you notice behavior changes.
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.
Let your cat exercise their hunting instinct. Cats are natural born hunters; however, this does not mean you need to allow mice to invade your home. Hide treats and toys throughout your home, and your cat will have a blast hunting down their treats. You can also find feather and laser toys that your cat can chase and pounce on.
A cat’s nails can grow really quickly. They sharpen their nails by scratching on different surfaces like a scratching post. You can help avoid your cat destroying your furniture by clipping their nails often. This will help to discourage your cat from scratching at different things around your house.
Do not discipline your cat if it makes a mess outside its litter box. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.
Make sure your cat has routine check ups and vaccinations to ensure longevity and good health. Cats need regular checkups, just like humans. When you have a cat, it becomes a member of your family, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.
Do not place the cat litter box in the same area where you place the bowl your cat eats from. Cats want a clear separation between the two areas, so make sure you give it to them. It is not likely you would want to eat in the same place where you use the bathroom, so give your cat the same courtesy.
If you have more than one cat, you need more than one litter box. Ideally, each cat should have its own box. This prevents the box from becoming overfilled or crowded. An unappealing shared litter box sometimes causes cats to take their bathroom business elsewhere in your house. As you can imagine, this can be quite a nasty surprise!
Playtime is important for kittens as well as older cats. The best games are those that involve hunting and chasing. Try to think like your cat, choosing toys like feathers on string. The cat is attracted to the movement of the toy, so he will love to chase it if you pull it along without him seeing you. It is important to let your pet win occasionally, to keep him interested.
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.
Despite popular belief, you should never give your cat milk to drink. Cats’ digestive systems lack an abundance of lactase, the enzyme used to break down dairy products. The reality is that this can cause your cat to experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other types of gastrointestinal discomfort. In this case, milk does NOT do a body good!
With the tips provided you can stay on top by outsmarting your cat. They will soon figure out what they need to avoid and where they can have a free reign. While they’re not as easy to train as a dog, they can be well-trained and be made into well-mannered companions for their owners.
