Many people brag that cats make unrivaled pets. They’re fun to pet, play with and watch sleep, plus they get rid of mice. Critters fear cats; they can be very valuable to have around the house.
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.
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.
Cats are curious by nature, which can end up getting them into trouble. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. This will help you save your cat’s life.
If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
If you replace an old scratching post, your cat may be unhappy with the new one. Save money on scratching posts. Wrap your old scratching post with some sisal rope to spiff it up. Your cat will be happy not to lose its favorite old post. You will save a little cash.
Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can often save up to 50 percent by shopping online.
Do not flush clumpable litter in your toilet. This can lead to problems with your plumbing. Instead just lift the clumps and dispose of them in a trash bag. Don’t forget, moisture is what makes the litter clump in the first place! Avoid doing that to your pipes and just dispose of it properly.
Reconsider having an outdoor cat. This can compromise your cat’s safety. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. Let your cat go out in your backyard and play on your lawn.
If you are adding a kitten to a household that already contains a dog, it is important to socialize the kitten to the dog at an early age. At first, constant supervision is essential. Let the kitten and dog spend time together while you hold the kitten, letting them explore and get used to each other’s smells. When socialized early, cats and dogs can live happily and peacefully together.
If there is a place where your cat likes to use the bathroom other than the litter box, there is a simple way to deal with this. There are sprays formulated to be very offensive to cats. If you apply this spray in these areas, the cat will stay away from there.
Use aversives to deter your feline friend from going places where it is not allowed. An aversive is anything that creates an undesirable environment for your cat. Examples include shelf paper (sticky side facing upward) and tinfoil. Most cats prefer to avoid these textures at all costs. You can also use carpet tape that has adhesive on both sides.
You might be leery about having your cat fully vaccinated, especially when they are strictly indoors. Rabies shots are important because you never know what critter might sneak into your house. Talk to your vet about the other vaccines. They will be able to help you determine what is healthiest for your cat.
If you have a diabetic cat, consider a grain free diet. There are many studies that show grains will increase blood sugar readings and cause problems for a cat with a diagnosis of diabetes. You can choose to go grain free with a raw food diet for your friend or purchase a ready made food that is missing wheat, corn and soy.
Introducing a new pet in your house may make your existing cat anxious and upset. It is best to keep the other animal away from your cat at first. Allow your cat to get familiar with the new smell. After some time has passed, you can then let the animals meet each other to see how things work out.
Watch your pet carefully for signs of illness. If you see your cat suddenly eating less, drinking more, seeming increasingly lazy or hiding from people that she normally loves, this could be a sign that something is medically wrong. In such cases, visit your veterinarian to get your kitty checked out as soon as possible.
Although an overweight cat is less common than an overweight dog, make sure not to overfeed your cat. Your veterinarian can guide you in determining how much to feed your cat and what type of food is best for his level of activity. It is also important not to give too many treats.
Though a dog is typically considered a better hunter, cats actually will go out of their way to track down small nuisances. Cats are natural hunters and nearly always get their kill, and with much more ease than a big dog. With these skills and admirable qualities, it is easy to see why cats are a desirable addition to the family.
