Cats are amazing animals and some of the most interesting domesticated friends humans can have. Cats are something that a lot of homes have and they also are outside living on the streets in some cases. Getting along with a cat living indoors may present problems, however. Cats are strong, smart, and kind of difficult.
Keep your cat healthy and non-finicky by introducing a varied diet. Always purchase several different brands of food and rotate them. In this way, your cat will be used to trying and accepting new tastes. If one food brand goes out of business, you will always have lots of other acceptable choices to offer.
Cats and electrical cords don’t mix. If you notice your cat has a habit of chewing on electric cords, try to bundle them up and hide them out of the cat’s reach. If that’s not possible, spray a little bit of bitter apple onto the cords. Not only is bitter apple non-toxic, cats absolutely hate the taste.
Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.
It is important that you do not 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.
Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. If they only eat the same food, they may never eat another food in the future.
Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. To your cat the post is just right. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.
Purchase good quality food for your cat. Pay attention to the ingredient list on any food you feed them. Protein needs to be one of the very first items on the list, while fillers like corn and other grains should be avoided. Some foods contain a lot of fillers like corn products, don’t buy those. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.
Just as important as it is to take care of your own teeth, you need to take care of your cats as well. Cats can develop tarter and plaque build-up over time. Purchasing a toothbrush and toothpaste made specially for felines is a great way to keep your cats teeth clean and healthy.
Clean your cat’s eyes as frequently as possible because their vision is extremely important and extremely sensitive. Cats interpret five times as much visual stimuli during their day and the smallest particle can become stuck and cause damage. A pair of thumbs and a damp cloth are perfect for clearing the eyes and keeping your cat clean.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
If you are expecting a child, this is more than enough reason for you to have your pet spayed or neutered. Some cats get very aggressive when they see little ones in the house. After having this procedure done it is less likely for your cat to do anything to harm the baby.
Keep an eye out for panting. Panting is dogs is normal. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. Call your vet, especially if you cat has a history of respiratory problems.
Be very careful if you have electrical cords and wiring hanging out all over your home. This is very attractive to a kitten and they may try playing with it. Not only can this damage the cords, but it can out your cat at risk for receiving an electrical shock.
If you have outdoor plants and an outdoor cat, using chicken wire around your plants is a great way to keep them out of reach of your feline friend. Remember that some plants are fatal if a cat eats them, and you always want to make sure to protect the safety of your feline friend.
Never use cat treats as the primary source of nutrition for your feline friend. While treats are fine to feed from time to time, they do not have the right amount of nutrients to sustain your cat. They also might not have the proper calorie count for a healthy diet.
Take your cat to the vet at least once a year. The veterinarian will check your cat’s weight and vital signs. In addition, the vet can order blood tests and check the cat’s urine an feces for anything unusual. An annual checkup can catch any problems early, saving you added expense as an owner.
Keep fresh water for you cat and change the water daily. If the water is stale or stagnant, your cat may try other places to get water, like puddles that carry harmful microbes. Cats are picky about the things they eat and drink, so clean the bowl out as well.
Consider the commitment you will have before you choose to add a cat to your family. The typical cat can live upwards of fifteen years. Are you ready to make the commitment to love and care for the cat for its entire life? Of course, there are always circumstances that may force you to give up the animal. But, every cat deserves to have a home where he can live out his days with one family.
You cannot be the boss of you cat, it’s hopeless! Before long, your cat will be behaving like an angel. That said, a well behaved cat is also a wonderful pet to have, so get down to work!
