If you had the chance to save an animal’s life, would you do it? There are literally millions of cats who are stuck in shelters through no fault of their own, and they need a loving forever home. You simply have to adopt one, and the article below will teach you how.
Make sure to keep your cat’s litter box clean at all times. Most cats do not like to use a dirty litter box, much like you would not want to use a dirty toilet. Scoop it at least once a day. Empty and give it a good cleaning once a week or more if needed.
Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. A cat’s fur must be brushed or combed on a regular basis. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Keep your cat looking at its best by grooming it well.
Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it’s a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, rapid breathing is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.
Cats are hunters by nature. They love to chase mice and other small animals and insects. Buying little fuzzy mice filled with catnip and batting them around with your cat is a great idea. Your cat will feel as though they are really hunting prey. This will also help you to connect with your cat better.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.
If you notice that your cat is not using the litter box as much as usual, you should go and take them to a vet right away. There are several health problems that can cause the cat to stop using the box. These issues include bladder problems, constipation and diarrhea.
If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.
Feed canned food to your cat. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. They have more water, protein and fat too. As a cat ages, it has a harder time chewing. Discuss this with your vet, who may tell you to feed your cat canned food.
When you bring home a new cat for the first time, the experience can be overwhelming for both of you. Instead of granting access to your entire home, introduce your pet to its new environment one room at a time. For example, you might place your cat’s carrier in your study or den. As long as the carrier door is open, you should be in the room with the animal.
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. It’s sometimes tempting to put the box somewhere that you don’t have to smell or see it. The litter box needs to be placed in a spot that your cat can reach very easily. Cats tend to be finicky, so you’ll want to provide a location that isn’t off-putting to your cat. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a rug or mat under it.
When your cat has kittens, it can be tempting to get rid of them as soon as possible, but you should wait a reasonable amount of time. A kitten needs to learn a few things from mom before going off into the world alone, so give him six weeks to learn all he can.
While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.
If your cat is not getting trained to use the litter box as fast as you would like, there are sprays available that can make things a bit easier. These sprays have a scent that will attract your cat to the box, which means they will be more likely to go there when they need to use the bathroom.
If you worry about the cat you have getting fleas, rabies, or any kind of fungus then the cat shouldn’t go outside. Bacterial problems usually occur when a cat is outside.
Inspect your home for holes that could possibly be dangerous for your cat. Cats often fit through small openings. This especially applies to kittens. When you bring a new kitty home, keep this in mind. Repair or cover any good-sized holes you locate.
You should be proud that you are giving love to a cat. Through opening your home and heart, you help an animal that needs you. You and your cat will form a bond that will last as long as you both will live. Take care of your cat and your cat will take care of you.
