Cats are some of the most lovable creatures a person can own as a pet. However owning a cat comes with a lot of responsibilities. The following article will help teach you exactly what you need to know about owning a cat. Be sure to read and learn what it takes so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not a cat is a good idea for your household.
If you have multiple cats, save money on cat dishes by checking your local dollar store for salsa dishes. You can usually get a package of three for a dollar. These are sturdy and come in pretty colors. They look nice in your kitchen, and they are just the right size for cat food.
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.
You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. Microchips are minuscule, but can hold all the essential information about your cat and its hope. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.
You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. One way to deal with a kitten’s playful activity at night is just to shut your door. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.
If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.
Should you leave the house with your cat, make sure that she is wearing a collar with tags. This way, if anything happens and you two become separated, anyone can find her and know how to reach you. Your cat may not like the collar all the time, but when she’s out of the house it can save her.
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.
Get your cat a breakaway collar. Make sure it has tags that reflect a phone number, even if you are uncomfortable with an address. Cats can run outdoors or slip away, and you don’t want to worry that you’ll never see your cat again. Make sure that there is adequate information so you can be reached.
If you want a cat that is well-behaved and not prone to biting and scratching, make sure that you do not try to adopt one when it is too young. It takes 12-16 weeks for a kitten to learn proper cat behavior from their mom and all of their siblings.
While it is perfectly normal for a dog to pant a lot of the time, you should be alarmed if you notice your cat doing it. It may only be a small case of anxiety, but in some cases it is something much more serious like cardiovascular or respiratory distress.
If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. Although it may look nice, it will look much worse when it sheds all over your home. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. Not to mention cats that have long hair are more prone to getting issues with hairballs.
Do not place the cat litter box in the same area where you place the bowl your cat eats from. Cats want a clear separation between the two areas, so make sure you give it to them. It is not likely you would want to eat in the same place where you use the bathroom, so give your cat the same courtesy.
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.
Dogs will often wag their tails to show their happiness or excitement. Cats move their tails for a very different reason. Tail-wagging in a cat usually means a conflict or that they’re deciding to flee or pounce regarding a situation. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.
Owning a cat is not easy. It is going to require a lot of work on your part to make sure your cat remains happy and healthy. However, if you implement the advice mentioned in the article above, there is no reason why you can’t be a wonderful owner to your feline friend.
