Cats are amazing creatures, and they can be wonderful pets. If you own a cat, you must learn as much as possible about caring for your pet so that it can lead a long and happy life. Read this article thoroughly to pick up some great cat tips.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.
If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.
Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.
Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords. Bundle electrical cords together inside a tube. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.
It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.
Contact Information
It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Your cat needs plenty of exercise. Sometimes, cat owners don’t realize this. If your cat is bored, it might develop a depression, obsessive compulsive behaviors or ruin some of your furniture. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. If they’re inside kitties, get them a post or something else that they can scratch and climb.
Give your cat lots of attention and love. They give lots of affection and need some in return. Like people, cats like to socialize and need to feel like they’re an essential part of your life. They should feel like a valued family member as well.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.
As you’ve read, a cat can be a wonderful companion. However, in order to enjoy your cat, you need to educate yourself on how to best care for it. Keep this information handy, so that you can refer back to it from time to time. Use this information to keep your cat happy and healthy.