Few pets offer the unique blend of grace, strength, independence, and affection available in the common house cat. Felines are possibly the most common of household pets and roam the streets of major cities. Living indoors with cats is a different thing completely. Such intelligent, quick animals can be stubborn and need special techniques.
Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.
Flea Products
Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. Flea products are a prime example. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.
Keeping your cats away from the counters can be hard. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. One way to keep your cats from continuously jumping on the counter is to install a cat tower near the problem counter.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.
Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! It is necessary for them to play and get exercise. Many owners just don’t have time. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. If they are indoors, give them a scratching post or something to climb on.
Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. Try turning down your tunes or keeping it off to make your cat’s trip better.
When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.
Do your best to determine why your cat is meowing. As you develop a relationship with your cat over time, it will become easier to determine why she is meowing. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. Look for the cues and you’ll be much more in tune with your pet.
Reconsider having an outdoor cat. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. Let your cat go out in your backyard and play on your lawn.
Let your cat get comfortable using a carrier. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. They like responding to encouragement better. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.
New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.
A cat that is declawed should never spend time being outside. Your cat may be seriously injured or killed because they are not prepared to defend themselves against another animal who may attack them. An indoor cat can be declawed. Even with that, only their front claws should be removed. There is no need to remove the back claws since the cat does not use them when clawing furniture or fabric.
Do not give human medications to cats. If your cat is suffering from a medical condition, be sure and take them to a vet to get the proper medication. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.
Your cat needs to eat dry food most often. As kittens, cats require wet food because of their tiny teeth. Once they grow up though, dry, harder food will strengthen their teeth and keep them clean. If you have a picky eater, you might want to try blending wet food with dry food.
If you read these tips, you can control your cat no problem. After awhile they will realize what limits have been placed upon them. Training a cat may not be as easy as training a dog, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Soon, you’ll be the owner of a well behaved cat.