T.S. Eliot, the famed poet, once likened cats to creatures that a household depends on, the there is some truth behind his words. Eliot thought that cats were a core component of the household. A cat that is friendly and happy boosts any family. Cats are quirky though. This advice will make it easier to live a happy life with your cat.
Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.
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.
For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it completely every three days or so. When you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don’t waste your money on liners as cats tend to destroy them.
You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Nearly every vet and shelter owns a scanner which can read a microchip, and since they’re implanted, there isn’t a risk of the chip falling out or getting lost.
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.
Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.
There’s always a chance that you cat can slip outside your home and become lost. This can be prevented with a breakaway collar. The collar includes an ID, featuring your name, phone number, and address. If the cat is found, anyone can easily contact you and return the cat to you thanks to the information on the collar.
Give cat box liners a try. These may not work for everyone, but they can be helpful if they work for you. Line the litter box with one of these liners, and then put cat litter in as usual. If it works correctly, you should be able to gather the liner and dispose of the litter. Unfortunately, sometimes cats just scratch the liner to pieces as they are doing their business.
High areas are ideal for cats. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.
Do not wait too long to scoop any waste that has accumulated in a cat litter box. When left dirty for too long, bacteria can grow and it can cause health issues for you and your kitten. It is best to do this every single day so you avoid any issues.
The chances are good that your cat will come running for their favorite treat. There are many different recipes out there specifically for homemade cat treats. This is a fun way to spoil your cat. There is also the benefit of knowing what exactly your cat is consuming, to ensure that it is healthy for them.
Feed your kitten a variety of cat foods to avoid a finicky cat later. Pick different textures and different brands on a regular basis and your kitten will learn to enjoy new tastes. This can also avoid feeding problems if your usual brand is no longer available in your area.
You should never feed your cats human food while you’re dining at the table. Some foods we eat aren’t healthy for a cat. To give a cat a real treat, offer a small amount of egg, beef or chicken you have cooked. This is not necessary, though. If you feed them the right food appropriate to their size and age, they need nothing else.
Do not give your cat any products that were made to get rid of fleas or worms if you know that she is pregnant. While you want to get rid of these pests once and for all, it is not worth placing your cat’s health in any type of jeopardy.
It’s best to keep your pet cat indoors. Cats left outside have significantly lower lifespans, and are susceptible to many diseases and parasites. Your family could get these too. Your indoor cat will be happy if it has a warm and sunny spot to sunbathe in or a window to look out of.
It’s not easy to be a cat owner sometimes, but is is very rewarding. Whether your cat is a lazy ball of fur or an active ball of hair, it needs proper care. You’re going to be hearing your cat purring instead of meowing to get your attention.
