One of the most fascinating creatures is a cat. Although they are extremely mystifying, they can be incredible house pets. Cats are very independent and can entertain themselves to some extent if you are often busy. Use the information in this article about caring for your cat properly and ensuring it has an enjoyable and healthy life.
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.
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.
Avoid eye contact to make friends with a cat. Ever wonder why cats seem drawn to the person who likes cats the least? The answer lies in cat body language. To cats, staring is “rude” and can be considered a challenge. Looking away shows that you respect their space and are not going to be a threat. So next time you are looking to meet a new feline friend, look away and let them approach you.
Save your furniture with scratching posts and pads. It is natural for cats to want to stretch their claws out and scratch. This does not mean that a cat owner must have damaged furniture. Provide your cat with places that it is okay to scratch and redirect them there if they decide to try out your sofa. Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and materials and some cats prefer a particular type so it may take some trial and error before you find the right combination for your kitty.
If your cat has a tendency to eat your plants, you can stop him. You can either purchase bitter apple spray and spray the pot, or you can put a bit of clove oil on a cotton ball and bury it a bit in the soil. Your cat will avoid both.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Demonstrate how the cat should be petted and handled and encourage your children to be very gentle. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.
When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. Let your kids know which rooms your cat is allowed in. It’s also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn’t escape. You need to establish some clear rules for your pet and ask everyone to follow them.
Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. There are many dangers to your cat outside. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. It could be injured via a vehicle or another animal. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.
Give serious thought to spaying or neutering your cat. Your vet can give you the pros and cons of both, but if you plan to keep your cat for a long period of time you should consider this operation. Cat overpopulation is a real problem, and you can do your part.
Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old. Small children don’t have the mental capacity to understand that certain activities are dangerous to the kitten. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
Make sure that you change your cat’s food and water on a regular basis. Just like humans, cats want to eat fresh food and drink water that is clean. Feed them at the same time each and every day if you want them to get into a regular feeding routine.
Feed your kitten a variety of cat foods to avoid a finicky cat later. Pick different textures and different brands on a regular basis and your kitten will learn to enjoy new tastes. This can also avoid feeding problems if your usual brand is no longer available in your area.
If the thought of your cat getting rabies, being subjected to fungus or catching fleas worries you, do not allow him to go outside. While issues can affect your cat while inside as well, you run the risk of more when you offer outside as an option.
Cats are perfect pets for houses and condos. If you want to be responsible with your animal, however, there are things you must learn. Remember the included information and you can be the best cat owner imaginable. Educating yourself properly will improve the quality of the time you share with your cat for both of you.