The companionship between cats and humans traces back for centuries. These lovable animals have been showcased in films, book and plays. So, it’s easy to understand why cats think they rule the world. By reading this article you can learn a few things that can help you to care for your cat.
Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. You can even switch it out every few hours.
Cats are constantly grooming themselves, and this is why they rarely need a bath. If your cat gets into something particularly stinky, a bath will not hurt them. If your cat does not like water you might want to wear gloves so that you do not get scratched. You might also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member.
An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.
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.
Make sure your cat is not too bored. They need exercise and they get it through play. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cats’ bones are more fragile than those of dogs, so they need gentler treatment.
Use your cat to teach your children responsibilities. A pet demands care that the whole family can participate in. Each child can take different day to feed the cat, for instance. Same thing for litterbox care. You can make a schedule and post it on the refrigerator. Then, everyone knows what they are responsible for.
Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.
Think about extra care before you take home a cat with long hair. Cats are beautiful with hair that is long and silky. Your clothes, floors and furniture aren’t. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.
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.
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.
If you have chemicals that contain phenol, make sure that you do not use these around your cat. This type of chemical can be found in Pine-Sol, Lysol, and other types of cleaners. The smell offends them and being exposed to it for several hours can cause liver problems.
Sometimes cats can have problems with arthritis when they get older. This makes it harder for them to get around. You can buy them a heated bed to lay in to help ease the discomfort. It is also a good idea to talk to the vet about any medications that might help out.
Panting is not a normal response for a cat. Dogs normally do pant. Panting in a cat possibly indicates something serious is going on. Make sure you contact a vet, especially if your cat has had respiratory problems in the past.
Make sure to provide your cats with toys. Many people consider toys a need for dogs, but they do not feel the same about cats. Cats need stimulation throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Toys can provide this. Keep your cats from boredom by remembering this tip.
It is common for cats to get the impression that they rule the world at large, and especially their own environment. Bu, if you make the most of these tips, you should be able to get your cat to understand who really owns the house. One of the reasons cats are such a popular pet is because they’re so rewarding, and the tips above will help you get more out of your relationship with yours.
