Cats are one of the most independent pets you can own. However, this doesn’t mean you can let them live without caring for them. A lot goes into owning a cat, and the following article has some great tips to show you precisely what you need to know. Read on and learn.
Be sure to have your pet cat spayed or neutered by the time it is six months old. A spayed or neutered cat is a more satisfactory pet because it is calmer, quieter, and more likely to stay home. Neutered male cats do not spray urine to mark their territory. This is a plus when it comes to cat ownership.
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.
Cats love too much grass and plants such as catnip. There are plants, however, that are poisonous to cats. Chrysanthemums and holly are beautiful and shared around the Holidays but can be very toxic to cats. Other toxic or lethal plants include lilies, rhubarb, and daffodils.
If you don’t want your cat to scratch up furniture, try filling a small spray bottle with water and spritzing your cat whenever he tries. Cats generally avoid water altogether for reasons no one is sure about, so he will not like this. Eventually, he will stop scratching to avoid getting sprayed.
Is your cat constantly destroying your toilet paper? Make sure that your bath tissue stops it from rolling over the top. You can also make or buy a toilet paper cover. These covers are not expensive and will save you money if your furry friend insists on playing with your tissue.
Play with your cat. Many cat owners don’t do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags, and small toys to get your cat moving.
It is essential not to feed your cat too much food from the table. Cats do not digest human food the same way that your does. It can also lead to your cat becoming overweight. If your cat is carrying around too much weight, it will be hard for them to jump up on furniture and get around.
Have patience with your cat. Remember that your cat is not a dog and may not be as quickly trainable as one. However, if you are being clear in your commands and gently encouraging them, you’ll find that your cat responds the way you want him to. Just be patient.
Please do your best to keep your cat as healthy as possible and regularly take it to the vet. Your cat needs these periodic checks and particular immunizations to stay healthy. It would be best to stay updated with immunization and booster shots to improve your cat’s health.
While there is nothing wrong with clumping cat litter for older felines, you should stick with sandy litter when dealing with kittens. The clumping litters are usually treated with chemicals that may not be safe for smaller cats. Once they are older, you should be able to make the switch with no issue.
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 kittens don’t want dirty mouths either, so take a toothbrush and clean those gums every day before breakfast. Without proper brushing, cats can catch diseases and infections and suffer serious side effects. A few minutes daily keeps these teeth healthy, strong, and sparkling. It would be best to ask a veterinarian how to brush your cat’s teeth properly.
Some foods are not permissible to serve to your cat. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic, and green tomatoes. These foods will cause indigestion or much worse for your cat. Milk can make too. It can give your cat stomach pains.
It would be best to investigate your local shelters when you are finally looking to adopt a new kitten but don’t want to spend big bucks on an expensive bloodline. Most animal shelters offer dogs and cats that need a home badly, regardless of their heritage or costs. You may be able to find a similar cat at a different cost.
It would be best if you tried to keep your cat indoors most of the time since there are many things out there that can hurt them. Poison, injury, and disease are just a few things that can happen to him. If he needs fresh air, open a screened window and allow him to sit there.
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. Mix the dry food with little warm water for the first week to soften it up. Gradually decrease the liquid until your cat eats the dry food. If you try this approach, do not allow the moistened food to sit for longer than 20 minutes; it could spoil.
Feed dry food to your cat. Kittens need wet food, however. When adult teeth come in, the more complex foods maintain the strength of their teeth. Dry and wet food can also be mixed for a finicky cat.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, cats need a lot of attention and care if you want them to live a happy and healthy life. Implement the advice mentioned above if you’re considering getting a cat. It is information both you and your cat are sure to benefit from.
