A cat can be the most wonderful pet you ever have. A lot of people are surprised by that, since there are so many stories of cats being snobby or too independent. However, the truth is that cats can be a wonderful addition to any home. Here are some tips to care for your cat.
If you replace an old scratching post, your cat may be unhappy with the new one. Save money on scratching posts. Wrap your old scratching post with some sisal rope to spiff it up. Your cat will be happy not to lose its favorite old post. You will save a little cash.
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.
Make your own enclosed litter box from a large tote box with a lid. Use a coffee can lid as a pattern to cut a door in one side of the tote. Place the coffee can lid fairly high up on the side of the tote. Trace around it with a permanent marker. Cut out the circle with tin snips or a box cutter. Add litter. Put on the lid.
Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.
Give your kitty lots of love. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.
Attend cat shows for tips about your cat. A cat show only costs a few dollars to attend. But when you attend one, you see vendors selling cat items, and show pet owners that give their cats the best of everything. You can get ideas for best brands to feed your cat, as well as ideas for grooming and caring for your cat.
Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. There’s the chance that your pet could be harmed by other animals or passing vehicles. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.
When you are washing a cat litter box, it is a good idea to use basic soap and water. You may think that it would be more sanitary to use a harsh cleaner like bleach or ammonia, but all that will do is create a smell that the cat will find offensive.
If you have a kitten, a very important part of raising him is to get him socialized. This means making sure he is comfortable in many situations. These include: handling by humans, grooming and nail care, vet visits, and other social situations. The time to do this is between ten and twelve weeks of age.
Most cats love to lounge right on your lap. As cozy as this can be, it is not always convenient. If your cat has a favorite spot, such as on your lap at the computer it can be hard to get things done. Getting a pet bed for your cat and perching it right next to your chair can help satisfy your cats need to be near you.
When taking your cat or kitten to the vet, or to other places that involve a car ride, it is wise to socialize him to this situation. Try taking your cat, always in a carrier, on short rides, adding time to the ride every so often. Getting your pet used to the car can mean the end of his fear and frustration, as well as yours.
Use a cat collar that gives name, address, and phone number info. This should be done even with an indoors cat. The animal could get out. If that happens, you want to be sure that there is a way for them to make it back home.
Never use chemicals that have phenol in it near your cat. Phenol is found in common products such as Pine-Sol, Lysol, and various other cleaners. The smell is pretty offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage.
Cats can brighten the life of most people, but only if the person knows how to properly take care of their cat. This article has hopefully given you some ideas about how you can do that. If you apply these tips to your own cat, you’ll find that your cat is the best friend you ever had.