Now that you have a cat in your home, what are you going to do with him? Cats can be mysterious creatures, so you aren’t ever sure how to handle them. You might not be able to make them happy, but you can make sure that you’re taking care of them. Here are some tips to help you.
Create a warm bed for an outdoor or feral cat by lining a banana box with a thick layer of newspaper. Cut a piece of Mylar to fit the bottom of the box. Put another layer of newspaper on top. Add a warm blanket. Place the whole box inside a dog house or under a porch where it can’t get wet.
Keep your cat occupied by making your own dangly toys. Using soft cotton rope, cut a length of about two feet. Tie a knot at one end. Tie another knot about three inches from the opposite end. Unravel the rope below this knot. Attach the rope to the back of a kitchen chair for your cat to play.
Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Try using one veterinarian consistently. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.
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 your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Be sure to read the ingredient label. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
Cats like to chase birds and catch them. This helps cats to build and deliver crucial hunting skills. But what if you have an indoor cat? You can find cat toys at the pet store that will help you simulate a bird flying around. Your cat will love it, and love you for it.
Is your cat constantly destroying your toilet paper? Make sure that your bath tissue is stopping it from rolling over the top. You can also make or buy a toilet paper cover. These covers are not expensive and will save you money if your furry friend insists on playing with your tissue.
Having a hard time giving your cat a bath? Try this. Take an old window screen and put it in your sink or bathtub. Put your cat in, and he will claw the screen and stay there. Then start washing, but do don’t dilly dally. Use a cup to help you to pour warm water on your cat unless you have a movable shower head.
Try not to let your cat go outside. It can be unsafe. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. If your cat must be an outdoor cat, limit it to your own backyard.
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.
Give your cat a good brushing regularly. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. It can also reduce the amount of loose hair they have. This is a good way to avoid hairballs, which are a serious health problem since they can cause choking.
Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won’t smell it. However, your cat’s litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a rug or mat under it.
Even if you aren’t sure how you can make your cat happy, or figure out how to make them purr, you can take care of him. The tips laid out here will help you to make sure that you’ve done everything you can to care for your cat. Happiness is more elusive.
