A little furry ball of fluff came into your life, so what are you going to do with it? A cat is a wonderful companion for anyone, but you’ve got to know how to handle one. They aren’t dogs, after all! Here are some great tips for dealing with felines.
If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. This is an extreme choking hazard and should be prevented at all costs. Make sure drapery cords are kept back to avoid this.
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.
If you just got your cat you want to take them to the veterinarian right away, especially if it is a feral cat or kitten. Kittens are born with parasites and need shots and medication to get rid of them. Feral cats can carry diseases. This is why it is important to have them checked out immediately.
Make sure to keep chemicals and dangerous substances away from your cat. Chemicals like antifreeze have a sweet taste. This encourages the cat to drink it, most often resulting in fatal consequences. Keeping your chemicals locked up in a cabinet will help to ensure that your curious cat does not end up ingesting poison.
Most cats are very nocturnal. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. If you have trouble sleeping because of cats, you may want to close the door to your bedroom. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. You can’t always get it online. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.
Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
Keep track of your feline friend by having the animal microchipped. This small device is implanted beneath the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Microchip implantation may sting for a few seconds, but the implant is otherwise unnoticeable and will not cause your pet any discomfort. This chip makes it easier for animal control to locate your cat if it goes missing.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
Do your best to keep your cat as healthy as possible and take it to the vet regularly. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. 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.
Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. Since the cat is not able to adequately defend himself from attack, there is a risk of serious injury. Indoor cats are the only ones that should be de-clawed. Remove only the front claws. Don’t cut the back claws because they won’t scratch up your furniture or floors.
Trips to the vet are necessary, however those bills can pile up quick. A money-saving tip is to order medications through online sources. Some companies will even deliver the medication right to your front door. This is a good option for flea treatments or for heart worm pills and other treatments you need to use on a regular basis.
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.
If you have a cat that goes outdoors, consider having him micro chipped. A micro chip will help someone to locate you if they ever find your pet. This is especially important if your pet lands in a shelter, as shelters give pets a limited time if they cannot locate the owner easily.
If you have more than one cat, you should give them names that do not sound anything alike. You want your pet to be able to recognize their name when you call, and giving them similar names can make this very difficult. Choose names that are distinctive and reflect your cat’s personality.
Now that you’ve read this article, you have some ideas for how you can best take care of your cat. These unique creatures can enrich your life, but only when they’re happy. Your cat may never seem satisfied, but if you use the tips in this article, he may purr a few times!
