There are so many joys you can get from just having a cat. However, it should be noted that owning cat also requires a lot of hard work. Cat owners need to know of the responsibilities that come with having a feline. This article has tips from the pros you can’t care for a cat without. Keep on reading for excellent information on caring for your pet.
Clip your cats nails regularly. Cats do have to scratch. However, when cats scratch, their nail sheaths come off and their sharp, pointy claws are exposed. Clipping your cat’s claws every two to three weeks keeps them blunt and helps keep harm to furniture, humans, and other pets to a minimum.
If your cat is pregnant, set up a comfortable, safe place for her to have her kittens. A big cardboard box equipped with a pillow and blanket is good. Place it in the back of a closet or other out of the way place. Keep food and water dishes nearby.
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.
Find a litter that your cat enjoys. Different litters have different smells and textures, so help your cat to find a litter that he is generally comfortable with using. Cats generally like to keep things the same though, so don’t experiment too often or your cat may avoid the litter box.
When you are washing a cat litter box, it is a good idea to use basic soap and water. You may think that it would be more sanitary to use a harsh cleaner like bleach or ammonia, but all that will do is create a smell that the cat will find offensive.
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.
Understand your cat’s sounds. Meowing is a form of communication, often for food or to get your attention. There are other sounds, though. Hissing usually indicates fear or anger, so you should stay away. Cats also make certain sounds when they see prey. This often sounds like a chirp. Purring may indicate contentment, but sometimes it means nervousness.
Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. Many cat owners feel inclined to hide the litter box. However, it is important to keep their litter box in an area they can easily get to. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. A litter box located in the basement should be placed on a thick mat or rug.
One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats also wag their tails, but for totally different reasons. A cat wags its tail when it is upset. If your cat wags his tail while you’re holding him, putting him down keeps you safe.
There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. They can’t defend themselves against other animals and cats, which can risk injuries or death. Declaw your cat if you plan on always having it inside. Even so, you will only want to get the claws up front removed. Leaving the back claws are important so that your cat can scratch themselves.
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.
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.
Cats hate a dirty litter box. Litter boxes should be scooped at least once per day, and completely changed each week. Cats are clean, picky animals, and if the litter box gets smelly or full, they will likely look for other areas to go potty. These include carpets, closets and other places you may not know about until the problem is already out of control.
Cats are pretty good at entertaining themselves and are very independent. This does not mean they like to be alone. Make some time to play with your cat. This gives them the bonding they need with their owner. Playtime and love are the two best things that you can provide for your cat.
When you are having social gatherings at your home, do not confine your cat to an area alone. This is your cat’s home, and they should always feel welcome here. Being around others will only strengthen their social skills, which is great if you plan on having a child or a new cat come into the home.
There are many great benefits that a cat brings to the table. However, you must properly care for your cat in order for both of you to be happy. If you see cat ownership in your future, put these tips to good use!
