A genuine care for your new cat and good intentions are very important, but not always enough in when in the moment. Accidents may occur where you don’t have the right equipment, another animal takes their food, or you were prepared with the wrong information. Great advice that teaches you how to prepare and react during situations like these is always welcomed.
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
If your cat is an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.
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.
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 your cat is properly hydrated. Like humans, cats need to drink lots of water. If they don’t get enough water, they can get dehydrated, develop various health problems, or die. Make sure they always have a bowl of fresh and clean water. The bowl itself also needs to be cleaned and refilled every day. You should also keep this bowl in one location.
Take your cat to the vet periodically. A lot of cat owners tend to avoid the vet because it can be harder to get a cat ready to go anywhere she does not want to go! It is also easy to avoid the vet because cats seem so self-reliant. However, it’s smart to get your cat to the vet to avoid any problems.
Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. Although you may feel like you don’t need help, other owners may be able to give you good advice. The Internet has many cat forums where you can ask your questions, or simply speak with your vet.
Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. A common misconception is to rub your cats paws into the kitty litter however this isn’t a good idea.
It is important to make sure that your cat always has fresh water available. You should refill your cats water dish everyday with clean water. There are drinking fountains that provide your cat with a constant stream of fresh water, so you do not have to worry about changing it as often.
Your cat needs to always wear some tags on a collar. This is essential, even for indoor pets. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian’s information as well. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.
Cats’ curiosity often puts them in risky situations. Something as simple as a necklace, window pull, or phone cords can cause your pet to become injured or even killed. These items should be bound securely so that they are not a source of temptation for your inquisitive pet. Many childproofing aids work just as well for your kitten.
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.
Medical conditions and other dietary factors may make it necessary to switch your cat from moist foods to dry formulas. Cats are finicky enough already, and many resist the change. For the first week or so, mix the dry food with a small amount of warm water to soften it up. Gradually decrease the liquid until your cat will eat the dry food. If you try this approach, do not allow the moistened food to sit for longer than 20 minutes; it could spoil.
Cats sometimes fall victim to similar illnesses to humans. You will be able to tell when the cat isn’t well. You should have your vet check out your cat. The vet will be able to make sure that they are not suffering from anything more serious.
You now have a few more obstacles that you can confidently prevent by applying the advice you read above. Similar scenarios are likely to come up before long and your relationship with your cat may benefit from them. Handle each problem just like the tips suggested and watch where the band goes.
