Cats are amazing friends and companions. Before going out and getting a cat, you should learn a little about them first. There are plenty of great pieces of advice that would be of use to any potential cat owner below.
Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.
To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. Change it every couple of hours if desired.
Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost. Ensure that you at least put the name of your cat and your personal phone number on this tag.
Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. Teach your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.
Get a microchip for your cat. 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. Other measures like tags and collars are better than nothing, but your cat may wriggle out of them or they may be torn off by outdoor hazards. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. These days, pretty much all shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read these chips, and because they’re beneath your pet’s skin, they won’t ever get lost.
Litter Box
The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. Make sure it’s properly ventilated to keep smell down. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.
When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. Make sure the children know where the cat is and is not allowed to roam. If your cat is going to be one that stays inside, let the kids know that it’s not allowed outside. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.
Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. Consider placing the cat food on a location away from where the dog can reach. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. Though you want to handle problems on your own, you may require advice from others who own cats. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
Litter Box
Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.
If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
If your cat’s scratching post looks old and worn, don’t throw it away immediately. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
You should give your cat at least three weeks to grow used to the presence of a new animal. They may swat at each other or hiss; that’s nothing to be concerned about. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.
A cat is an amazing pet to own. They are great at relieving stress and are very comforting. However, in order to get this satisfaction you must first understand how to care for the cat. Consider the advice listed above, and help to give your cat a high quality of life while you enjoy his company.