If you are looking for a pet to share your days with, a cat is an attractive choice. While these animals are very independent, they are also great companions. However, there are a few things that you need to be aware of when it comes to their care and how to help them have a happy life.
Watch the number of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a routine.
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 with 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.
Cats love to play, so make sure that you provide them with many toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is fun, but it also helps them get exercise.
Get a pet water fountain. Cats can be prone to dehydration, and running water entices them to drink. An evolutionary habit developed because running water is less likely to be contaminated than a stagnant pool in the wild. Your pet will enjoy the water more and will drink it more often.
If your cat goes outside, it is essential to have a collar with a tag. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.
If you find your cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be boring. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
Get a scratching post to keep your cat from tearing up your carpet. Get a post that does not have the same type of carpet on your home floor, so your cat doesn’t associate the two. Instead, get a post covered in cardboard, sisal, or thick rope.
Cats are usually more active during the night. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night. If your cat keeps you up at night, you should close the door to your bedroom. You won’t be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.
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 an extended period, you should consider this operation. Cat overpopulation is a real problem, and you can do your part.
While children should help with the care and responsibilities, leave the litterbox duties to the grownups or older children. A cat’s litterbox can carry diseases and parasites. Since younger children may not follow proper handwashing procedures, this job is better left to those older and more responsible.
There’s always a chance that your cat can slip outside your home and become lost. This can be prevented with a breakaway collar. The collar includes an ID featuring your name, phone number, and address. If the cat is found, anyone can quickly contact you and return the cat to you, thanks to the information on the collar.
Do not try to bathe a kitten less than four weeks old. It is not very easy for young kittens to regulate the temperature of their body. This may result in the kitten getting a chill. To be safe, you should wait between 12 and 16 weeks after birth to bathe them for the first time.
Feed a kitten proper food. A developing kitten survives exclusively on its mother’s milk for the first four weeks, a commercial formula if the mother isn’t around. When moving to regular food, feed them specially formulated kitten food until they reach maturity at one. Kittens need plenty of protein while they are developing.
Provide safe and engaging entertainment for your cat at all times. Even if you cannot be in the house with your pet, you should ensure that it has access to toys and other diversions. Sometimes we perceive cats as lazy animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playing to pass the time. This is especially important if your cat is alone in your house for long periods.
If another cat bites your cat, try to get him to the vet within 24 hours. The vet can put him on antibiotics to protect him from infection setting in and causing severe health problems. Cat bites can trap bacteria under your cat’s skin, forming an abscess or other dangerous infection that can cost you hundreds of dollars to treat later.
Cats have an uncanny ability always to find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat familiarize themselves with your new place’s smells. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
You can’t go wrong by selecting a cat as your animal companion. They are smart. They generally don’t require as much care as dogs and can provide you with the affection you are craving. However, remember that cats still require several things from their owner. Use the tips above to help you carve out a good life for your pet.
