A lot of people get a cat because kittens are so adorable. Then, when they get the cat home, they’re not sure what to do. They are not always as expressive as dogs are, so cats can sometimes be puzzling. Here are a couple ways you can keep your cat happy.
Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs. Flea products are a great example of this. Your cat can die if you use a dog flea product on it. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.
Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your cat.
Save your furniture with scratching posts and pads. It is natural for cats to want to stretch their claws out and scratch. This does not mean that a cat owner must have damaged furniture. Provide your cat with places that it is okay to scratch and redirect them there if they decide to try out your sofa. Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and materials and some cats prefer a particular type so it may take some trial and error before you find the right combination for your kitty.
Check your cats ears frequently for ear mites. You may notice your cat shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot if they have them. They are tiny parasites that look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. If you have more than one cat, they can also travel from cat to cat. See a vet before using any medication on them since their ears need properly cleaned first.
Refrain from giving your cat any food that is spoiled. This can lead to indigestion and food poisoning, which can cost you a trip to the veterinarian. Always buy your food fresh from the store and be sure to check the expiration date before you feed it to your cat.
Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn’t going to enjoy the vet bill. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Take a look at the food’s label. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.
While children should help with the care and responsibilities of a cat, leave the litterbox duties to the grownups or older children. A cat’s litterbox can carry diseases and parasites. Since younger children may not follow proper handwashing procedures, this job is better left to those older and more responsible.
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.
Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. It could be an indication of a serious health problem. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.
Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Kittens, like children, need to have their vaccinations and wellness appointments regularly to prevent diseases and other health issues from becoming a problem later in life. Your kitty is a member of your family, so you need to treat him like one.
Do not place the cat litter box in the same area where you place the bowl your cat eats from. Cats want a clear separation between the two areas, so make sure you give it to them. It is not likely you would want to eat in the same place where you use the bathroom, so give your cat the same courtesy.
Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. There are a number of medical issues that can cause your cat to suddenly stop using their box. Some common issues are bladder and kidney problems. Speak with a veterinarian if you have a cat that has these issues.
Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you must make some changes, it would be a good idea to do them gradually.
When you are looking to finally adopt a new kitten, but don’t want to spend big bucks on an expensive bloodline, you should investigate your local shelters. Most animal shelters offer dogs and cats that need a home badly, regardless of their heritage or costs.You may be able to find a similar cat with a different cost.
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.
After reading this article, you are probably going to be better at taking care of your cat. Try each tip out, to see what your cat responds best to. You can always find out more, so make sure you keep learning about cats so that yours always feels taken care of.
