Cats are truly fascinating animals. Fiercely independent, strong-willed and intelligent, they are also very loving and affectionate. To ensure that your cat is properly cared for, take some time to study the best cat care advice and tips. Continue reading this article to learn everything you need to know to properly care for your kitty cat.
Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. They have tons of amazing cats who desperately need a home. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.
An indoor cat who gets a taste of the outdoors will forever want to go outside. If you know your cat will always be an indoor cat, do your best to keep them from sneaking out. You can try to train your cat to stay in your yard when you are outside.
Make sure your cat 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.
If your cat tends to be antisocial and anxious with company, try giving it a catnip toy a few hours before company arrives. Many cats become very mellow when exposed to catnip. Even if your cat does not want to socialize after catnip exposure, it will probably be happier and less anxious.
Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.
Who says only dogs can do tricks? Cats are very intelligent and have the ability to learn as well, especially as young kittens. Some people train their cats to play fetch just like dogs do. There are even people who have successfully trained their cat to use a regular toilet, instead of a litter box.
To make sure your kitten is properly socialized to humans, begin early in his life, about ten to twelve weeks of age. Be sure that he is handled and petted by humans in his family and by others as well. When he is older, he will be a calmer, friendlier cat.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
If you’re adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.
Use aversives to deter your feline friend from going places where it is not allowed. An aversive is anything that creates an undesirable environment for your cat. Examples include shelf paper (sticky side facing upward) and tinfoil. Most cats prefer to avoid these textures at all costs. You can also use carpet tape that has adhesive on both sides.
If you are bringing a new kitten into a home with one or more cats, purchase an extra litter box so that your other cats do not have to share right away. It may take some time for your established cats to become used to the new scent in the house.
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.
Look out for holes around the home you would rather your cat didn’t get into. Cats can fit through very small gaps. This definitely applies to kittens. You will want to especially be wary of these when introducing a new cat to your home. You will need to repair or at least cover up any of the bigger holes you find.
Refrain from taking your cat outside during inclement weather. That means wind, cold temperatures and heavy rains. Cats are going to want to hide, and they can hide in dangerous places such as beneath a car. If they are left outside, you risk the chance of losing them after the severe weather has passed.
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.
Keep a watchful eye out for your cat when you put up your Christmas tree. A cat may be tempted to climb the tree, putting the cat in danger. Keep the cat away from your tree, avoid electric lights and make sure your cat does not try eating some ornaments.
Keep your cat groomed to keep them looking and feeling good. Giving their fur a regular brushing ensures a healthy coat with no matting and less shedding. They will also have fewer hairballs from cleaning their own fur. Clip their claws, but don’t clip them too short, as it may hurt them. A vet can provide assistance if you need help with clipping.
As was mentioned in the beginning of this article, cats are absolutely fascinating animals. Properly caring for cats, however, is not as easy as many people think. It takes some real effort. Apply all of the great cat care tips and advice outlined in this article to keep your kitty healthy and happy.
