Cats are curious by nature. Your cat might enjoy your company, but it is usually on his terms. They can be difficult to understand at times, but nothing compares to a cat purring. You should keep reading to learn how you can properly care for your beloved pet.
If you have multiple cats, save money on cat dishes by checking your local dollar store for salsa dishes. You can usually get a package of three for a dollar. These are sturdy and come in pretty colors. They look nice in your kitchen, and they are just the right size for cat food.
Cats love to play so make sure that you provide them with lots of toys. Cats enjoy batting around a fake mouse or little ball around the room. Some cats even develop a favorite toy. Playing with your cat is not only fun, it helps them to get exercise too.
To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. Replace it every three hours or so.
You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.
If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.
Use petting to check on your cat’s health. Petting isn’t just a way for you and your cat to spend time together, but it’s a great way to find anything abnormal on their body. You can pet them to feel for bumps, lumps, or sores. This is also a great time for you to check their ears.
If your cat is overweight, there are two things you need to do. First, you have to adjust the amount of food you give them, and the other is that you need to get them exercising. Get them cat toys, or play with them yourself, to make sure they are getting the activity they need to slim down.
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don’t force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he’ll get the idea that it’s there for a reason!
Reconsider outside time for your cat. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. When your cats go outside, keep an eye out to make sure they do not wander too far away.
Put the right amount of cat litter in the litter box. Some people try to get out of cleaning the box by putting too much litter in there. Cats don’t like walking on sand dunes! Two inches or so should be sufficient for the cat’s needs, and you just have to be vigilant about cleaning the box out.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
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.
To make sure your kitten is properly socialized to humans, begin early in his life, about ten to twelve weeks of age. Be sure that he is handled and petted by humans in his family and by others as well. When he is older, he will be a calmer, friendlier cat.
When your cat first gives birth to her kittens, resist the urge to pick them up. This is a crucial time for kittens to bond with their mother and learn some basics, so leave them alone. You should be able to have more interaction with the kittens after about a week.
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.
Your cat has a remarkable sense of smell, much better than humans. They detect subtle changes in their environment. This can be troublesome sometimes if you’re trying to feed the cat new food or give it new toys. Don’t fret if you can’t get kitty to use a new item right away. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they’ll be more interested in the new object.
Make sure to provide your cats with toys. Many people consider toys a need for dogs, but they do not feel the same about cats. Cats need stimulation throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Toys can provide this. Keep your cats from boredom by remembering this tip.
Cats can be perplexing, but they can also be wonderful friends. Use the tips you just read to care for your cat. A well cared for cat can be a true joy and can be the beginning of a great friendship.
