Cats are a wonderful thing to behold. These abandoned cats make up about half of the entire population of domestic cats, and are often a nuisance in urban locations. Read on to find out how to care for him.
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.
Play with your cat using proper cat toys. Cats love toys that help them feel like the predators that they think they are. Try sticking with toys that help them dance around or jump. This can also help them use extra energy by pouncing on toys instead of people’s feet.
Protect your cat from strangling by making sure the cords of curtains and blinds are secured and out of reach. When you make or purchase a dangly toy for your cat, be sure to supervise during play. Put the toy away if you will not be around to watch.
Give your cats easier access to a window in order to keep your curtains from getting scratched. Putting vertical blinds up will allow the easiest access for your cat, but if you need to keep your curtains, use a lightweight rod that will fall if your cat attempts to climb the curtains. It will keep both your curtains and your cat safe.
Make sure you have a good pet carrier or basket for transporting your cats from one location to the next. A proper carrier or basket should have enough room for them to turn around in comfortably. It should also be easy to clean. Make sure that it is lined with a blanket, cushion, or towel to help it stay comfortable and cozy for them when traveling.
Keep an eye on early warning signs of health issues in cats. Cats usually display warning signs if they are struggling with health issues. Some common signs to look out for include eating habit changes, sleeping habit changes, not being able to groom properly, changes in eating habits, changes in sleeping habits, depression, sneezing, increased thirst, watery eyes, changes in behavior, hiding, and vomiting. If they display these symptoms, take them to a vet right away. The sooner you take, them the better.
Keep the litter box clean. Cats are naturally very clean animals, and a dirty litter box will have your cat looking for alternative places to relieve himself. Cats also value their privacy, so try to locate the box in an area that does not get a lot of foot traffic.
Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats. 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.
Let your cat exercise their hunting instinct. Cats are natural born hunters; however, this does not mean you need to allow mice to invade your home. Hide treats and toys throughout your home, and your cat will have a blast hunting down their treats. You can also find feather and laser toys that your cat can chase and pounce on.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Purchase 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 will respond more positively to streams of water. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.
You should keep wet cat food in the refrigerator after it has been opened. Bring it to room temperature before serving it to your cat, because it will smell more enticing to them and be less likely to cause an upset stomach. If you like, place it in the microwave for a bit to warm it up.
Most cats are prone to wax build up and ear mites. You can purchase a solution at the pet store that will clean out your cats ears. You put a couple drops in each of your cats ears and then hold them closed while massaging them for a minute. When you let go, stand back or you will get covered in the liquid when your cat shakes its head.
Think about extra care before you take home a cat with long hair. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. These breeds are best left to those with the time and energy to do a lot of cleaning. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.
Make sure your cat stays inside as much as it can, near to both its home and its owner. Cats that stay indoors tend to live a lot longer because they’re not exposed to the elements outside of the home. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.
This article has given you some great tips on how to deal with cats. Cats can harm other pets, damage gardens and summon other cats. They can also be loving pets. You may even discover a stray cat that makes you smile!