If you are looking for a pet to share your days with, a cat is a wonderful choice. While these animals are very independent, they are also great companions. However, there are a few things that you need to be aware of when it comes to their care and how to help them have a happy life.
Watch the amount of treats that you give your cat. Like humans, cats can easily overeat junk food. This can cause them to gain weight and may lead to some health problems like heart issues and diabetes. If you do give your cat treats, give them a small amount and make it a special thing instead of a regular routine.
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.
Get a scratching post to keep your cat from tearing up your carpet. If you can, get a post that does not have the same type of carpet that is on the floor of your home, so your cat doesn’t associate the two. Instead, get a post that is covered in cardboard, sisal, or thick rope.
If you don’t want your cat to scratch up furniture, try filling a small spray bottle with water and spritzing your cat whenever he tries. Cats generally avoid water altogether for reasons no one is sure about, so he will not like this. Eventually he will stop scratching to avoid getting sprayed.
When training a cat, take the proper approach. Encouragement works better than anger. If you are trying to teach a kitten to use a litterbox, for instance, yelling will only frighten a small cat. When the cat starts to go outside the box, gently place them in the box so they learn.
Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.
Don’t get rid of an old scratching post. It’s in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. If you throw it away too soon, that cat may look to your furniture for some clawing while it slowly breaks in a new scratching post.
You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Any foods with non-protein sources, such as corn, should be avoided. You have a carnivorous cat, and a diet consisting of animal proteins is essential.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. Silky, long hair can be stunning, but that fur won’t look as pretty when it’s on your sofa, clothes, and carpet. You must be willing to spend more time cleaning your home. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.
Despite popular belief, you should never give your cat milk to drink. Cats’ digestive systems lack an abundance of lactase, the enzyme used to break down dairy products. The reality is that this can cause your cat to experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other types of gastrointestinal discomfort. In this case, milk does NOT do a body good!
Panting is a bad symptom. Panting is quite normal for dogs. Panting can mean your cat is anxious or overheated, but it may also be something very serious. Be sure you get in touch with a vet, especially if your animal has had problems with breathing before.
Switch up cat food flavors. Cats can be notoriously picky eaters. This can be frustrating if a flavor is out of stock or, worse, discontinued. Don’t let your cat get into the habit of eating one food and only one food. Make sure there’s some healthy variety in your cat’s diet.
You should never feed your cats human food while you’re dining at the table. Human food isn’t great for cats because of the ingredients, additives, and cooking methods. If you want to give your cat a treat, a spoonful of chicken or some egg is okay. So long as you are feeding your cat the correct food according to their weight and age, their diet is good.
Ensure you always give your cat flea and tick medicine. There are a few different medications available. These medicines keep harmful parasites away from your cat. Use only products that are purpose-formulated for feline use in order to give your cat the protection it needs.
Some cats have aversions to certain types of litter. If you find that your cat is not using their litter box, try switching the type of cat litter that you are using. Only do this if there is a problem. Cats do not like change. The cat may stop using the litter box if you change the type of litter you use.
You can’t go wrong by selecting a cat as your animal companion. They are smart, they generally don’t require as much care as dogs and they can provide you with the affection that you are craving. However, remember that cats still require a number of things from their owner. Use the tips above to help you carve out a good life for your pet.
