It isn’t easy to adopt a cat and quickly get up-to-speed on how to care for it. Learning about cats can help make your time together more productive. Some problems come even with total preparation. The best thing to do is to read this article, but be ready for anything.
Watch the amount of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you do give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a regular routine.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. Sadly, many cat owners do not understand the importance of this. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.
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.
If you don’t want your cat to scratch up furniture, try filling a small spray bottle with water and spritzing your cat whenever he tries. Cats generally avoid water altogether for reasons no one is sure about, so he will not like this. Eventually he will stop scratching to avoid getting sprayed.
While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.
Use your cat to teach your children responsibilities. A pet demands care that the whole family can participate in. Each child can take different day to feed the cat, for instance. Same thing for litterbox care. You can make a schedule and post it on the refrigerator. Then, everyone knows what they are responsible for.
When the cat’s litter box starts to become rough and worn at the bottom, it is time to replace it. If you leave it this way, it will cause waste to accumulate in damaged areas. Your cat may be very offended by the odor and decide to use the bathroom somewhere else in the house.
Most cats are prone to wax build up and ear mites. You can purchase a solution at the pet store that will clean out your cats ears. You put a couple drops in each of your cats ears and then hold them closed while massaging them for a minute. When you let go, stand back or you will get covered in the liquid when your cat shakes its head.
If you’re tempted to load up on litter to cut back on cleanings, think again. Some people believe that the more cat litter they use, the longer they can go between emptying the litter box. Actually, this is a waste of your litter! Many cats refuse to use a litter box with more than 2 inches of litter on the bottom. Some prefer to dig to the bottom of the box before doing their business.
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.
Do not leave the door to your washing machine or dryer open if you have cats. This is a place where cats love to crawl and take a nap, but it can be very dangerous. You don’t want to turn on the machine then find out your cat is in there. It will be very frightening for them and it may cause an injury.
Cats have a very sensitive nose and can easily detect any changes to their environment. This is why it is sometimes difficult to get them to use something new, like a bowl or cat toy. Don’t worry if the cat isn’t happy with the items when you first bring them home. You cat will adjust as the smells of the new items as they become a regular part of his daily routine.
There are a few human foods that can be quite dangerous if consumed by a cat. Chocolate and onions are two of the foods out there that can be toxic to cats. You should do all of the research you can to make sure that you are not giving your cat any food that can hurt them.
Make sure that your cat is eating dry food when possible. When cats are kittens they need wet food because their teeth are so small. However, as their teeth grow, the hardness of dry food allows their teeth to get stronger. For picky cats, mixing dry and wet food together is a great option.
Such training concepts are useful for all types of cats. These are the fundamental concepts involved with raising a small feline, but the individual circumstances in which they apply will change from one person to the next. Remember to have plenty of fun and give your cat plenty of love and attention.
