A lot of people out there just don’t know what goes into taking care of a cat. These are great animals to have and don’t take quite as much maintenance as other animals. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn a few things about them. Read this article to help you care for your cat better.
Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. Bundle electrical cords together inside a tube. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.
Have your cat spayed or neutered. Pet overpopulation is a growing problem, with millions of homeless cats and kittens euthanized every year. Besides the problem of too many kittens and not enough homes, unfixed cats can have a multitude of behavior problems. Males who are not neutered at a young age often start spraying to mark their territory, and females who are allowed to come into heat yowl incessantly as they try to escape to find a mate. Kittens can begin to breed as early as 4 months of age, so get your new kitten spayed or neutered as soon as possible.
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.
Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.
Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.
Play with your cat. A lot of cat owners don’t do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags and any number of small toys to get your cat moving.
Understand that your cat is easily influenced by its surroundings. Cats have superior memories and will usually retain training for a lifetime. Conversely, they also retain frightening experiences and it takes them a long time to get over their fears. Be encouraging with your cat and avoid situations that scare them.
If you have more than one cat, you need more than one litter box. Ideally, each cat should have its own box. This prevents the box from becoming overfilled or crowded. An unappealing shared litter box sometimes causes cats to take their bathroom business elsewhere in your house. As you can imagine, this can be quite a nasty surprise!
Get your cat all the necessary vaccinations. There are a number of them and you should talk to your veterinarian about the proper schedule. Many are given at the early stages of a kitten’s development, then given annually thereafter. These vaccinations prevent such problems as feline leukemia, rabies and respiratory problems.
Make sure to provide your cats with toys. Many people consider toys a need for dogs, but they do not feel the same about cats. Cats need stimulation throughout the day to remain healthy both mentally and physically. Toys can provide this. Keep your cats from boredom by remembering this tip.
Cats can get sick in some of the same ways you can. Since cats are like family, it’s easy to tell when they’re sick. Take your cat to the vet as often as possible. A seemingly minor illness might really be something far more serious.
Think over the decision to allow your cat to eat food that you’re eating. People food is not an appropriate diet for cats, both because of the ingredients and the manner in which food is cooked. You can put a small amount of egg, or cooked beef or chicken on a spoon as a treat. Cat food, though, can make your pet’s diet complete.
Even though no two cats are the same, certain breeds are known to possess unique characteristics. For example, bengals and other exotic breeds are notoriously active, especially at night. They have high energy levels and are less cuddly than other domestic cats. Bring home a bengal if you love a unique look and are willing to actively engage your pet.
If you have more than one cat, you should give them names that do not sound anything alike. You want your pet to be able to recognize their name when you call, and giving them similar names can make this very difficult. Choose names that are distinctive and reflect your cat’s personality.
Take your new kitten to see the vet as soon as possible. There are many issues that can plague a kitten, and you want to make sure that you are on the safe side. If you are worried about the cost of care, you should look for volunteer pet clinics in your area.
As you can see, there is quite a bit that goes into having a cat. The main thing you need to have is some patience. Now that you’ve read this article you should have no problem caring for your cat. Use what you have learned here and everything will be a lot easier for you.
