Cats are constant companions wherever humans choose to live, whether they’re kept as pets or left to fend for themselves in the streets. A good portion of the domesticated cat population is composed of them and they can sometimes be trouble. Continue reading to learn all you can about having a pet cat.
Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This could kill them. To stop this from happening, pin your drapes and hide them out of sight.
Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. A breakaway collar is a good option since it will break if your cat pulls on it. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.
You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. Tuck loose cords into old toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. Give them an alternative. A carefully placed cat tower in the kitchen will keep cats away from the counter.
Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Cats need play and exercise. Sadly, this is overlooked by many cat owners. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. If they’re inside kitties, get them a post or something else that they can scratch and climb.
Most cats are very nocturnal. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.
Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. These are very painful and expensive to treat. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Read the label on any food you choose. Avoid fish products.
When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.
Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
You should brush your cat on a regular basis. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. As an added bonus, it cuts down on loose fur. This will help to eliminate hairballs, which build in your cat’s stomach and prevents it from grooming itself.
You don’t want to punish a cat if they do their business outside of their litter box. Usually this is a sign that you haven’t cleaned the box recently. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.
Mix up the food you feed your cat to avoid them becoming a picky eater. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.
If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. That hair will truly get everywhere! Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Be prepared to deal with hairballs, which are a problem for long-haired cats.
Giving Birth
When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. Giving birth to all the kittens can take hours, so you shouldn’t expect things to be over and done with quickly. If you believe your cat is still giving birth after six hours, you should immediately drive to the vet’s office.
Relocating the litter box can often help curb a problem with cats that refuse to use it. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. Basements, laundry rooms and other quiet spots are best.
Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. Cats move their tails for a very different reason. Cats wag tails if they sense conflict, or if they’re trying to decide whether to fight or flee. If this happens while your cat is in your arms, put him down as soon as possible.
Now you know how to care for your cat properly. Feral cats can destroy gardens, attack your pets, and invite their friends over. Cats are very sensitive and you should take good care of them. You may even find your best friend in a cat.