When it comes to owning a great pet, you can’t go wrong with a cat. If you’ve never had a cat, reading this article would be wise. Continue reading for some advice you can use when you live with a cat.
Keep a clean litter box. Like you, a cat will generally not use a bathroom that is filthy. Find a quiet area out of the way that the box can stay in, and don’t move it unless absolutely necessary. Scoop solids out a couple time of day. Make sure to dump the whole box, wash it with a gentle detergent, and refill it once a week.
Play with your cat using proper cat toys. Cats love toys that help them feel like the predators that they think they are. Try sticking with toys that help them dance around or jump. This can also help them use extra energy by pouncing on toys instead of people’s feet.
If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.
Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. Electronics with thin cords must be put out of reach when they aren’t being used.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
Does it seem like cat hair is everywhere? Cats shed considerably; therefore, it is very important you brush them frequently. You should brush your cat quite a bit of they are prone to shedding. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.
You can use certain scents to discourage your cat from going into certain areas of your home. Aloe gel, citrus peels, and citrus juices smell wonderful to us, but cats don’t feel the same way. Soak a cotton ball in one of these liquids, then place it on top of a piece of foil to prevent the liquid from staining your surface. Place the foil and cotton ball near the off-limits area.
You should try 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 of the things that can happen to him. If he needs fresh air, open a screened window and allow him to sit there.
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.
Make sure your cat does not get more food than it needs to prevent health problems. The extra weight can directly cause health problems now and in the future. Be careful to feed your cat the proper portion amount, and also make sure that his food is packed with vital vitamins and nutrients.
Check your home for openings that a cat could slip through. Cats can squeeze into very tight spaces. This is particularly true for kittens. Keep this in mind when introducing a new cat to your home. Cover all large holes to prevent a hazard for your cat.
When listening to your favorite music, keep in mind that your cat’s hearing is much more sensitive than your own. Music with high pitched treble and thumping bass are particularly difficulty for your cat, so keep the volume low. To please your cat and help him relax, play something with a slower tempo.
Refrain from taking your cat outside during inclement weather. Examples of times to keep your cat inside are during cold snaps, storms and periods of high wind. Cats look for places to hide in these types of weather and that may include underneath a car hood. If you let them stay outside in bad weather, after it’s over you may lose them.
Most cats love to spend time outdoors, but indoor-only cats rarely enjoy this opportunity. While it’s not safe to allow your indoor cat to roam freely outdoors, there are other options. For example, you can use a leash and harness to take your pet outdoors. It’s a rare sight, but it certainly isn’t impossible. You are most likely to be successful if you start leash training as a kitten.
Take the time to play with your feline friend on a daily basis. Cats love attention and need exercise. They can get both when you spend a little time playing with them. Ask your kitty to chase a feather, throw a small, soft ball so that he can bat it with his paws or just spend a little time rubbing his belly to see what happens. You will have fun and entertain your pet too.
You won’t be sorry that you chose a cat for your new companion. They can really be comforting. In order to make your cat’s life (and your time as a cat owner) happy and healthy, you have to be prepared to be a responsible owner. Use the above tips for you both to live together for many years.
