Owning a cat may seem like an easy job. After all, they are notorious for being independent. However, if you are a first time cat owner, there are lots of things you need to know. The following article is full of helpful tips and tricks that ensures you and your cat live happily together.
A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.
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.
Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
If you want to have your cat for many years, it is a good idea to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.
While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Spend time instructing your children on cat care. You should show them everything from how to properly carry the cat to the best ways to play with it. The bones of a cat are weaker than a dogs, therefore, they should be handled with care.
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don’t force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he’ll get the idea that it’s there for a reason!
Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.
Consider adopting multiple cats, especially it will be spending a significant amount of time alone. One cat can do fine alone, however two are not much more work or expense than one, and can keep each other company and entertain each other. This will stave off boredom, especially if you work long hours.
It is important to make sure that your cat always has fresh water available. You should refill your cats water dish everyday with clean water. There are drinking fountains that provide your cat with a constant stream of fresh water, so you do not have to worry about changing it as often.
If you’ve just met a cat, don’t look at them in their eyes. Cats do not like being stared at by people they don’t know. That’s why they are more comfortable if you are not looking at them. They are more likely to approach you that way, and more likely to kindly regard you in the future.
Sometime a second cat will calm a single destructive cat. This seems counter-intuitive, asking for twice the destruction, but a second cat can give them both something to do. Introduce them slowly and expect some initial squabbles. After a while, though, the cats will usually get along and the destructive behavior will subside.
Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. But the most important factor is making sure your cat can easily access its littler box. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. Keeping litter boxes on cement floors that are cold can be remedied by placing a rug or mat under it.
If your cat has bad breath, a trip to the vet is in order. Bad breath in cats can be a red flag for tooth decay or more serious conditions. These include diabetes, stomach problems and lung disorders. So, if your cat’s breath smells worse than the food he eats, get to the bottom of the issue before it gets out of control.
As was mentioned earlier in this article, being a cat owner is a lot more work than you might have believed. Be sure and use the information provided if you are considering getting a cat. The advice will benefit both you and your new feline friend for years to come.
