Cats are very smart, loving and fun animals but they require some attention. Cats are definitely a very common pet and are in every major city. That said, having a cat in your home is very different! Read here for excellent ideas on how to handle your hardheaded animal.
Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your cat.
Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.
A great toy for your cat is a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the laser around and try to catch it. This will help you give your cat some exercise, while your cat is having fun at the same time. It will also help to fine-tune their hunting skills.
Use petting to check on your cat’s health. Petting isn’t just a way for you and your cat to spend time together, but it’s a great way to find anything abnormal on their body. You can pet them to feel for bumps, lumps, or sores. This is also a great time for you to check their ears.
Give your cat plenty of love and affection. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.
Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.
When getting a small kitten to eat dry kitten food, be patient. At first they usually just play with food. It may take a little while, but they’ll eventually learn that they are supposed to eat it rather than toy with it. If the food is moistened first with milk, a kitten may take to it faster.
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.
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.
Your cat will thank you if you avoid phenol in your cleaning products. Lysol and Pine-Sol are two examples of products that contain this chemical. Cats hate the smell of phenol and continuously exposing them to it could cause liver problems later in their lives.
Your cat needs to eat dry food most often. Kittens need some wet food because they have very small teeth. Once they grow up though, dry, harder food will strengthen their teeth and keep them clean. For picky cats, mixing dry and wet food together is a great option.
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.
Check your home for openings that a cat could slip through. Cats are able to fit through gaps that are very small. Kittens are especially vulnerable. When you bring a new kitty home, keep this in mind. Make sure to cover any easily accessible holes or repair them if at all possible.
Make sure that you take your cat for regular vaccinations and check-ups. Getting medical care for your cat is essential for its’ health. Your cat needs to stay up to date on all shots in order for it to be healthy and happy. Regular check-ups will make sure you can spot any health issues before they get out of control.
You can outsmart your cat when you keep the tips you read here close by. Your cat will soon learn where it’s allowed to go, along with where not to go. Though they are very unlike dogs, cats are very loving animals and very rewarding to own.
