Cats are a fine domestic animal with great abilities and unique pets. Cats are something that a very common pet and they also are outside living on the streets in some cases. Learning to coexist with these intriguing animals can sometimes be a challenge. These smart and feisty creatures can be hardheaded and often require special care.
Groom your cat. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.
Check out your local animal shelter before you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have plenty of cats available and you can get one adopted for a small fee. Adopting a pet shelter benefits the cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
Cats enjoy getting into any and all small spaces. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on tightly. This will help you save your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.
Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. This is especially true of flea products. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.
Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for your cat. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative reactions to dog products. This particularly true when it comes to flea products. Your cat may die if you use dog flea prevention items made for dogs.
Deter your cat from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, cover those cords up however you can. You can bundle loose cords together and place them inside paper towel rolls that are old.
Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Choose a low magnesium food. Check the label. Avoid fish products.
Keeping your cats away from a counter really can be hard. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see everything happening around them. You can try to combat this tendency a bit by designating some high-up places in the house that you feel comfortable having your cat to hang out.
Cats are great family pets, though small kids may be too rough. Teach your children how to treat a cat. Teach them which activities and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.
You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. Their immaturity prevents them from understanding how easily they could hurt the kitten. When children are over the age of five, then you should decide whether or not they are mature enough to handle a kitten.
When you get a cat for your kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Make sure the children know where the cat is not allowed in. Setting up rules in advance will ensure your children understand.
Think twice before allowing your cat outside. This can be something that isn’t safe for a cat. Your cat could get fleas or something even worse than that. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If the cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.
Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. Although you may feel like you don’t need help, other owners may be able to give you good advice. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.
Take time to make your cat familiar and comfortable with a carrier. Cats never respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment. Encouragement is a much better option. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier then leave it open somewhere the cat is most often. The cat will eventually get into it and feel safe when it enters this carrier after a while. This will make getting the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.
Don’t toss an old scratching post. This is the condition that cats most prefer it.If you throw it away too soon, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.
If you want a cat with long hair, be prepared to put in extra time and care. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. There will be hairball issues as well.
Getting the upper hand with the cat will get easier after following this advice. After awhile they will realize what limits have been placed upon them. They may not be as easy to train as a dog, but cats can be trained to be well-mannered, if not always obedient.