Cats are amazing friends and companions. Those who have never owned a cat before would be wise to read the following article. Get some valuable insights about how to bond with your new cat and create a healthy environment for everyone.
To help prevent tapeworm infestation in cats, feed a small amount of food grade diatomaceous earth for two weeks out of each month. About a quarter of a teaspoon per cat per day is adequate. Food grade diatomaceous earth kills internal parasites and causes them to be expelled from the system.
Is your cat constantly munching on your house plants? If so there is a fix for this. Growing oat grass or catnip yourself can help entice your cats away from your plants. Giving them plants that they can eat and like will help draw them to those plants over and over again.
Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.
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.
Consider adopting multiple cats, especially it will be spending a significant amount of time alone. One cat can do fine alone, however two are not much more work or expense than one, and can keep each other company and entertain each other. This will stave off boredom, especially if you work long hours.
Find a litter that your cat enjoys. Different litters have different smells and textures, so help your cat to find a litter that he is generally comfortable with using. Cats generally like to keep things the same though, so don’t experiment too often or your cat may avoid the litter box.
Brush your cat on a regular basis. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. This can reduce hairballs which can be harmful to a cat and build up in their stomachs.
When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. When this occurs, it tends to be because the box is not being maintained properly. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
Most cats are prone to wax build up and ear mites. You can purchase a solution at the pet store that will clean out your cats ears. You put a couple drops in each of your cats ears and then hold them closed while massaging them for a minute. When you let go, stand back or you will get covered in the liquid when your cat shakes its head.
Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Not unlike kids, kittens require vaccinations and check ups every so often so that they do not get sick. A cat is a member of the family, and therefore, is entitled to the same treatment as other loved ones.
A kitty door is a great way to allow your cat to go in and out, without any help from you. You can also use kitty doors on doors inside your home. This can be great if you have a dog or small children, to keep them out of the room with the litter box.
Is your cat really sweet and lovable? If so, they might make a good therapy pet. Pet therapy uses animals to go into places like nursing homes, and bring some joy to the people there. Your cat will be happy with all the attention, and you can feel good about doing something positive for others.
Your feline friend should always wear a collar and tags with your name and contact information. Even house cats run the risk of getting loose. If this happens, ensure there’s a way they can find home again.
Switch up cat food flavors. Cats can be notoriously picky eaters. This can be frustrating if a flavor is out of stock or, worse, discontinued. Don’t let your cat get into the habit of eating one food and only one food. Make sure there’s some healthy variety in your cat’s diet.
Spaying or neutering your cat is one of the most responsible actions you can take in your career as a pet owner. Cats are instinctively curious. Indoor cats will sometimes try to slip out of your home. It doesn’t take long for a cat outside to come home pregnant inside. Each year, thousands of stray cats lose their lives.
A clean litter box is essential for a healthy cat. Litter training your cat is relatively easy. It is almost an instinct for a cat to use a litter box. Make sure you scoop it every day and every week completely change the litter and wash the litter box with dish soap.
Getting a cat is great decision. These animals can be very loving and help you reduce your stress. However, caring for them properly is vital to their long term life and happiness. Take the tips above to heart, and carve out a life that the two of you can enjoy.