Sharing your life and home with a cat is a very rewarding experience. From an amazing sense of humor to a whole lot of love and affection, cats give us so back so much in return for taking care of them. Use the following expert advice to give your cat everything it needs and more.
Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. This will help you save your cat’s life.
Cats love to much on grass and plants such as catnip. There are plants however that are poisonous to cats. Chrysanthemums and holly are beautiful and common around the Holidays, but can be very toxic to cats. Other plants that are toxic or lethal include lilies, rhubarb and daffodils.
Consider those expensive cat litter boxes. There are cat litter boxes now that allow you to have minimal interaction with them. This can be great for anyone who is tired of cleaning a litter box. But be careful, as they may not work as easily as they claim to. If you can, make sure there is a return policy and don’t lose the receipt. You may find you prefer the old-fashioned style!
Speak to other people if you’re having cat troubles. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? 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.
If you want a cat to come your way, it may be a good idea for you to refrain from looking at them. Cats do not like it when people look them directly in the eye, so they tend to go the other way. This is why it seems as if cats always gravitate toward people who are not really fond of animals.
If you’ve just met a cat, don’t look at them in their eyes. Cats do not like being stared at by people they don’t know. That’s why they are more comfortable if you are not looking at them. They are more likely to approach you that way, and more likely to kindly regard you in the future.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. In the beginning, they may not seem to get along at all. With enough time to acclimate themselves to the new arrangement, though, virtually any two cats will become willing, friendly, and perhaps even inseparable companions.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
The best way to make sure that you have a healthy cat is to keep up to date with vaccinations and trips to the vet. Your cat needs these periodic checks and particular immunizations in order to stay healthy. Your cat will be a part of your home and that means it should be treated as good as you would treat a family member.
While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.
There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. If you want to give your indoor cat some outdoor time, exercise with them. That way, your cat gets some fresh air, sunshine and outdoor scenery without the risks of free-roamers.
To keep your cat using the litter box, always keep it clean. No matter what kind of scented or special formula litters you may use, nothing is a substitute for removing clumps and used litter several times a day. Keep your litter box in a quiet area of your home.
Cat owners sometimes want to bathe their cat. This definitely isn’t a fun task, so you’ll be pleased to know it generally is not necessary except in unusual circumstances. Cats are addicted to being clean and spend a lot of time grooming themselves. They have barbed tongues that allow them to remove lots of dirt from their coats. Cats have been known to be a bit particular on how they look.
Cats will generally do whatever pleases them, and this is fine, just as long as it doesn’t destroy your property. A little training can go along way in keeping your items safe. Be gentle with your cats, and don’t scream, yell, or use violence with them. Whistles and squirt guns can alert your cat that they’re doing something wrong.
Annual vet check ups are very important for your feline friend. Even if you do not think anything is wrong with your cat, it is important to get your vet to take a look at her, perform blood work and make sure she is free from medical concerns. There are some things that you cannot see with the naked eye, but the sooner your veterinarian diagnosis them, the sooner your cat can find relief.
Most people who say they don’t enjoy the company of cats have never actually owned any! The truth of the matter is that they are some of the most amazing companions on the planet. Hopefully this article addressed your needs as a cat owner or would-be cat owner and you and your feline friend will be happily ever after.
