One of the most fascinating creatures is a cat. Although they are extremely mystifying, they can be incredible house pets. They have an independent nature, so they are fine if you are busy and are gone to work during the day. Implement the tips in the article below to make sure your cat leads a long and happy life.
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
If your cat is misbehaving, you can influence its behavior in a safe and humane way by using water. Fill a small squirt gun or a spray water bottle with plain water. Give your cat a few light squirts of water when you catch it misbehaving and it will soon learn to stop doing the unwanted behavior.
Check your cats ears frequently for ear mites. You may notice your cat shaking their head or scratching their ears a lot if they have them. They are tiny parasites that look like coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. If you have more than one cat, they can also travel from cat to cat. See a vet before using any medication on them since their ears need properly cleaned first.
Make sure your cat is properly hydrated. Like humans, cats need to drink lots of water. If they don’t get enough water, they can get dehydrated, develop various health problems, or die. Make sure they always have a bowl of fresh and clean water. The bowl itself also needs to be cleaned and refilled every day. You should also keep this bowl in one location.
Give your cats easier access to a window in order to keep your curtains from getting scratched. Putting vertical blinds up will allow the easiest access for your cat, but if you need to keep your curtains, use a lightweight rod that will fall if your cat attempts to climb the curtains. It will keep both your curtains and your cat safe.
Do you have both a cat and dog? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat’s food. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. This will help you to be sure that the animals won’t fight over the water either after they’ve eaten all their food.
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.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats wag their tails for very different reasons than dogs though. Tail-wagging in a cat usually means a conflict or that they’re deciding to flee or pounce regarding a situation. If while being held by you your cat’s tail begins to wag, you may want to put him down so that you are not scratched or hit.
Give the cat a collar with your contact information. Even if your cat lives in the house, he could always get out. If this happens, ensure there’s a way they can find home again.
Sometimes cats can have problems with arthritis when they get older. This makes it harder for them to get around. You can buy them a heated bed to lay in to help ease the discomfort. It is also a good idea to talk to the vet about any medications that might help out.
Some cat owners swear by the frequent bathing of their cats. Fortunately, you don’t have to bathe your feline very often. The only exception is if the animal gets into something particular sticky or gooey. Cats groom themselves everyday; the barbed tongues they have allow them to get dirt off their fur. Cats are really picky about their appearance.
Annual vet check ups are very important for your feline friend. Even if you do not think anything is wrong with your cat, it is important to get your vet to take a look at her, perform blood work and make sure she is free from medical concerns. There are some things that you cannot see with the naked eye, but the sooner your veterinarian diagnosis them, the sooner your cat can find relief.
When feeding your cat, purchase canned cat food instead of the alternative. This food has more fat and protein, and it tends to have a lot more water as well. Finally, even picky cats will generally eat canned foods while they may turn their noses up at the dry stuff.
A fun, intelligent and loving cat is a great pet for your family. If you want to be responsible with your animal, however, there are things you must learn. Learn all you can to be the best cat owner possible. Then, your cat can really enjoy a full and fun life.
