Owning a cat can be be very rewarding. They make very comforting pets. However, there is also a lot of hard work that goes into being a cat owner. The article below has some great tips on how you can take proper care of your cat. Read on and learn.
Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. You’re literally saving their life.
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 cat is misbehaving, you can influence its behavior in a safe and humane way by using water. Fill a small squirt gun or a spray water bottle with plain water. Give your cat a few light squirts of water when you catch it misbehaving and it will soon learn to stop doing the unwanted behavior.
When you move your cat from one house to another, be sure to move the cat last. Set up a quiet room with familiar items for the cat. Keep your cat in the room and quiet for a day or two. Visit and feed the cat in the room. After a couple of days, the cat can explore the rest of the house.
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.
Cats can have nocturnal tendencies. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.
Carriers are great devices for you to have as a cat owner. Dogs and cats will respond differently to punishment. Positive reinforcement is a better training tool for cats. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.
Just as important as it is to take care of your own teeth, you need to take care of your cats as well. Cats can develop tarter and plaque build-up over time. Purchasing a toothbrush and toothpaste made specially for felines is a great way to keep your cats teeth clean and healthy.
When getting a small kitten to eat dry kitten food, be patient. At first they usually just play with food. It may take a little while, but they’ll eventually learn that they are supposed to eat it rather than toy with it. If the food is moistened first with milk, a kitten may take to it faster.
Provide safe and engaging entertainment for your cat at all times. Even if you cannot be in the house with your pet, you should ensure that it has access to toys and other diversions. Sometimes we perceive that cats are lazy animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playing to pass the time. This is especially important if your cat is alone in your house for long periods of time.
There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. Hairballs are something that you will often deal with if you own a fluffy cat.
Take your cat for vaccinations often to make sure he or she is healthy. 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 cat is a member of your family, so treat them like any valued member of your home.
Clean your cat’s eyes as frequently as possible because their vision is extremely important and extremely sensitive. Cats interpret five times as much visual stimuli during their day and the smallest particle can become stuck and cause damage. A pair of thumbs and a damp cloth are perfect for clearing the eyes and keeping your cat clean.
If there is a place where your cat likes to use the bathroom other than the litter box, there is a simple way to deal with this. There are sprays formulated to be very offensive to cats. If you apply this spray in these areas, the cat will stay away from there.
Is your cat really sweet and lovable? If so, they might make a good therapy pet. Pet therapy uses animals to go into places like nursing homes, and bring some joy to the people there. Your cat will be happy with all the attention, and you can feel good about doing something positive for others.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, there are many benefits to owning a cat for a pet. However, if you want your cat to live a long and healthy life, you must take proper care of it. Be sure and use the tips mentioned so that your cat remains happy and healthy.
