If you are looking for a pet to share your days with, a cat is a wonderful choice. While these animals are very independent, they are also great companions. However, there are a few things that you need to be aware of when it comes to their care and how to help them have a happy life.
Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.
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.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Teach your children how to handle a cat. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.
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.
Do you have dogs and cats? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. Because of this, you should keep your cat’s food in a high spot that your dog won’t be able to reach. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Although your cat’s old scratching post may look very worn out, you shouldn’t throw it away. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. When you bring in a new post, the cat may ignore it.
Your cat should be kept healthy so that it can live a longer life. This can be done by making sure the cat is checked on by a vet and it has its shots. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.
A kitty door is a great way to allow your cat to go in and out, without any help from you. You can also use kitty doors on doors inside your home. This can be great if you have a dog or small children, to keep them out of the room with the litter box.
Use aversives to deter your feline friend from going places where it is not allowed. An aversive is anything that creates an undesirable environment for your cat. Examples include shelf paper (sticky side facing upward) and tinfoil. Most cats prefer to avoid these textures at all costs. You can also use carpet tape that has adhesive on both sides.
Sometimes it seems as if your cat is sleeping all of his 9 lives away, however, this is perfectly normal. It is not unusual for cats to sleep up to 16 hours per day, and even more. Much of their sleep is light sleep, an instinct that keeps them ready in the event that a predator is nearby. About 25 percent of their sleep is deep sleep, where they dream and conserve energy. Cats love to sleep-a lot!
If your cat is nursing a litter of kittens, it is vital that she have plenty of food and water near her nesting area. Mother cats are very protective, and do not want to leave their kittens for long lengths of time. Your cat can become dehydrated or malnourished just because she does not want to leave her kittens to eat and drink.
When you’re smitten with your kitten, it’s tempting to dole out treats generously. However, treats are meant to be just that. They lack the nutritional value of regular cat food. Treats should not make up more than 5 percent of your pet’s daily diet. Any more than that may prevent your cat from receiving the nutrients it needs for good health.
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.
You can’t go wrong by selecting a cat as your animal companion. They are smart, they generally don’t require as much care as dogs and they can provide you with the affection that you are craving. However, remember that cats still require a number of things from their owner. Use the tips above to help you carve out a good life for your pet.
