Content by-Gravgaard Neergaard
Cats are among the greatest pets a person can own. Unlike dogs, cats are incredibly independent and taking care of them is much easier. However, there are still many important things you need to be responsible for when caring for a cat. The article below will help you discover what those things are.
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.
Be sure to have your pet cat spayed or neutered by the time it is six months old. A spayed or neutered cat is a more satisfactory pet because it is calmer, quieter and more likely to stay home. Neutered male cats do not spray urine to mark their territory. This is definitely a plus when it comes to cat ownership.
Be careful when treating your cat for fleas. Be sure to consult with your vet before using natural alternatives to control your cat's fleas. Cats are very sensitive to essential oils and many herbs. Your vet will probably recommend you use a prescription flea treatment, which is usually best for cats.
Make your own enclosed litter box from a large tote box with a lid. Use a coffee can lid as a pattern to cut a door in one side of the tote. Place the coffee can lid fairly high up on the side of the tote. Trace around it with a permanent marker. Cut out the circle with tin snips or a box cutter. Add litter. Put on the lid.
Do not assume that because a medication is okay for you to take, that it is safe for your cat as well. Many medications made for humans are lethal to cats, such as acetaminophen containing drugs and aspirin. Always check with your veterinarian before you give your cat anything.
Make sure
read page 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.
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.
Think about getting a drinking fountain for your cat. When cats are in the wild they tend to prefer water that is running when they are thirsty, this applies to cats at home. Cats react better to a moving water stream. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.
Playtime is important for kittens as well as older cats. The best games are those that involve hunting and chasing. Try to think like your cat, choosing toys like feathers on string. The cat is attracted to the movement of the toy, so he will love to chase it if you pull it along without him seeing you. It is important to let your pet win occasionally, to keep him interested.
Feed canned food to your cat. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. Canned food will give your cat more water, fat and protein. Canned food is much easier to chew for older cats. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.
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Cats' curiosity often puts them in risky situations. Something as simple as a necklace, window pull, or phone cords can cause your pet to become injured or even killed. These items should be bound securely so that they are not a source of temptation for your inquisitive pet. Many childproofing aids work just as well for your kitten.
When choosing what type of cat to bring home, consider your lifestyle. Do you travel often? How long are you at home? If you will not spend a good deal of time in the company of your new pet, adopt a more mature cat. Kittens require considerable care and are easily frightened when alone. A mature cat requires care as well, but should fare well when you aren't at home.
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Try your best not to feed your cat any table scraps, even if you are sure this would be better than throwing the extra food away. Once you feed your cat this type of thing, they will no longer want to eat the cat food that you give them regularly.
Never leave your cat outdoors if the weather becomes dangerously bad. Heat waves, extreme cold, and stormy weather are all times you should bring your pet inside. In such severe weather, cats will seek shelter, like under a car hood. This will increase the chances of you losing your cat.
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A clean litter box is essential for a healthy cat. Litter training your cat is relatively easy.
http://k2globalcomm.com/?strategies-to-develop-and-operate-your-own-dog-training-empire-written-by-don-bruno.html is almost an instinct for a cat to use a litter box. Make sure you scoop it every day and every week completely change the litter and wash the litter box with dish soap.
If you are having a holiday party with lots of guests, make sure to ask your guests to leave their small dogs at home. Lots of noise can make a cat feel uncomfortable, but their discomfort will be increased dramatically once they notice that there is a dog inside the home.
Your cat may not think he needs you, but he does. If you use the tips in this article, you can make yourself even more necessary. These tips can help keep your cat healthy and happy, so give each of them a try. You can even search out more tips, so your cat has the best life possible.