You may have trained several dogs in the past, but nothing can prepare you for raising your new feline friend. Cats are nothing like dogs. They require more attention during their growing years and more personal time playing with their owner. This article will highlight some of the main differences between the two.
If you have a male cat, it is important to have him neutered before he goes into heat. When male cats start maturing, they will begin to spray around the house. It smells like ammonia and is hard to remove. Having your male cat neutered can help to prevent this from happening.
If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only. One escape can lead to a lot of small kittens around! The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.
Play with your cat using proper cat toys. Cats love toys that help them feel like the predators that they think they are. Try sticking with toys that help them dance around or jump. This can also help them use extra energy by pouncing on toys instead of people’s feet.
If your cat tends to be antisocial and anxious with company, try giving it a catnip toy a few hours before company arrives. Many cats become very mellow when exposed to catnip. Even if your cat does not want to socialize after catnip exposure, it will probably be happier and less anxious.
Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don’t force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he’ll get the idea that it’s there for a reason!
Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
Sometimes you need to give your cat a pill. Some cats are harder than others, but you should trim their nails first. Then hold the head, open the mouth, and put the pill in. Then blow on the cats face. This will likely make the cat lick its nose, and the pill will go down naturally.
Do not try to hold a cat when they are clearly trying to get away. This will not make the cat feel any closer to you and it may prompt them to start avoiding you in the future. Pick the cat up gently and lay him across your lap. If you feel him wiggling to get away, let him go.
If you’ve just met a cat, don’t look at them in their eyes. Cats do not like being stared at by people they don’t know. That’s why they are more comfortable if you are not looking at them. They are more likely to approach you that way, and more likely to kindly regard you in the future.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
When you are looking to finally adopt a new kitten, but don’t want to spend big bucks on an expensive bloodline, you should investigate your local shelters. Most animal shelters offer dogs and cats that need a home badly, regardless of their heritage or costs.You may be able to find a similar cat with a different cost.
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!
Cats will smell changes around their home. This can cause a problem when trying to introduce a new bed, scratching post, or food dish. If the cat doesn’t like it, don’t be alarmed. Your cat is going to like them more as they acquire your home’s smell.
Scoop your cat box several times a day. Cats prefer a very clean environment when they use the restroom, and they will often choose not to use the litter box if it is not clean. Try to scoop it every time they use it for best results, especially if your cats are picky.
If you have a long haired cat, regular grooming is an essential tool. Grooming helps to keep your kitty clean and well cared for. It can help to prevent shedding and skin disease too. While bathing your cat is not required more than every so often, make sure to brush him daily and tend to any mats in his coat.
While both animals are great to have and can peacefully exist with one another under one roof, don’t take adopting a new kitten too lightly. Plan ahead and have enough resources in reserve like cat food and such. If you are going to train your cat indoors, don’t forget to buy extra litter for the first few months because they can get messy.
