Cats need to be entertained. If left unchecked, cats tend to climb on furniture and scratch your belongings. You can help prevent this via cat toys. Learn more about this and many other tips in this article.
If you have outdoor cats, be sure to discourage pests such as coyotes, possums and raccoons by bringing cat food indoors at night. Feed your cats first thing in the morning, and make sure there is no food left at nightfall. This will keep your cats safe from attack and illness.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat’s fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
If you going to be gone for more than a day, you should have someone look in on your cat. Leave out plenty of food, but have someone come to make sure it doesn’t run out. If you do not have a neighbor or family to look in on your cat, you can usually find a cat sitter for a few dollars each day.
Find a litter that your cat enjoys. Different litters have different smells and textures, so help your cat to find a litter that he is generally comfortable with using. Cats generally like to keep things the same though, so don’t experiment too often or your cat may avoid the litter box.
You should do regular checkups of your cat between veterinarian visits. A good time to do this is when you are petting the animal. Check the entire body for things like scabs and lesions. Also look in and around the ears for any discharge, which can be a sign of ear mites. Check the cat from head to tail.
Most cats love to lounge right on your lap. As cozy as this can be, it is not always convenient. If your cat has a favorite spot, such as on your lap at the computer it can be hard to get things done. Getting a pet bed for your cat and perching it right next to your chair can help satisfy your cats need to be near you.
Many people do not realize that it is perfectly normal for you to take cats on walks so they can get exercise and fresh air. There are special harnesses made for you to use with your cat. If you use the type that were made for dogs, there is a chance your cat can get away.
Be mindful of where you place the litter box. Your first instinct may be to hide it away out of sight and out of smelling range. But the most important factor is making sure your cat can easily access its littler box. Cats can be picky, so you should be sure that you put its litter box in a spot that isn’t difficult to access or unpleasant in some other way. Keep this in mind when deciding on the permanent placement for your best friend’s potty.
Cats have an uncanny ability to always find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat to familiarize themselves with the smells of your new place. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. A cat has instincts that tell it when it goes to the bathroom it is vulnerable. This is why a box should be placed in an area that is quiet and safe. Some good places would be basements, laundry rooms, and any other place that doesn’t have a lot of noise and people going in and out.
Never assume that a fence will keep your cat from leaving your yard. Unless the fence is specially designed to keep cats from escaping, it’s safe to say that your cat will find a way out. Also, remember that your fence must be able to keep other animals from entering your backyard and harming your pet.
Many foods that are fine for humans are not good to give to your cat. Some of these foods include garlic, grapes, onions and green tomatoes. Your cat can get sick after eating these foods. Milk can also upset your cats’ stomach.
Do not use chemicals around your cat that contain phenol. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. Cats hate the smell, and it can do sever damage to a cat’s liver if left near it for prolonged periods.
If your cat has been declawed, outdoors should be off-limits. The cat will have difficulty playing with other animals and may get hurt. An indoor cat can be declawed. Even in the case of indoor cats, you should only declaw the front claws. Keep the back claws intact, since they can’t do damage to your furnishings and flooring.
When adopting a cat, consider adopting two. Cats are social creatures, and they prefer to be in the company of other feline friends. Having two will help to keep your kitty occupied, and it can make it easier to take care of your new pet. If owning two is not an option, make sure to spend extra time giving your cat love.
Cats can sometimes have a lot of energy, and the best way to channel that energy is through toys. Keeping cats busy can keep them from tearing up your house. Use the recommendations from this article and others to help keep your cat and home happy.
