Pets are never as easy to handle as they seem at first. You gain many new responsibilities when you adopt a cat and it’s even harder if you don’t know what they are. This article covers those basic responsibilities and few other tips that will help your new life with your new cat more enjoyable.
If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help. Adoption fees often include things like spaying or neutering them, shots or other vet care. You’re literally saving their life.
Have your kids help you take care of the cat. Assign daily jobs such as feeding the cat and cleaning the litter box. Not only will taking care of the cat teach them responsibility, it also gives you a break from these tasks. This means that you can spend more time cuddling with your cat.
Avoid eye contact to make friends with a cat. Ever wonder why cats seem drawn to the person who likes cats the least? The answer lies in cat body language. To cats, staring is “rude” and can be considered a challenge. Looking away shows that you respect their space and are not going to be a threat. So next time you are looking to meet a new feline friend, look away and let them approach you.
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.
If your cat takes all the ornaments off the Christmas tree, don’t fight it. Begin collecting attractive cat toys and unbreakable ornaments to decorate the tree next year. Be sure not to decorate with potentially dangerous items like tinsel and garlands. Tinsel is a choking hazard for cats and garlands can cause strangulation.
If you’re thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. This can be very unsafe for your cat. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. Cage in an area for a cat in your backyard if they must go outside.
Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. Kids of this age aren’t old enough to know how dangerous a cat can be. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.
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 the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. It’s in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. By throwing away an old scratching post and replacing it with a newer one, your cat will likely look for older items to scratch, such as your furniture.
Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. Don’t get a long haired cat unless you’re prepared to do a little extra cleaning. It should also be noted that long haired cats are much more susceptible to hairballs.
You should try to keep your cat indoors most of the time since there are many things out there that can hurt them. Poison, injury and disease are just a few of the things that can happen to him. If he needs fresh air, open a screened window and allow him to sit there.
When introducing a new cat to your home, make sure that your other pets have time to adjust. You will want to give the new cat extra attention, but it is important to keep up established routines with your other pets. Allow the new cat to explore its new home while you care for your other pets.
Scoop your cat box several times a day. Cats prefer a very clean environment when they use the restroom, and they will often choose not to use the litter box if it is not clean. Try to scoop it every time they use it for best results, especially if your cats are picky.
One easy way to prevent a lot of potential feline health problems down the road is to refrain from over-feeding your cat. Overeating can cause obesity in your cat, which can cause serious illness, similar to people. Monitor the portion sizes of your cat’s meals, watching to see that they are well balanced meals.
When looking for a new kitty, do not forget to check your local shelters to find your friend. Shelters are overrun with cats, and many are put to sleep on a regular basis because they do not have homes. These cats make great companions, and they are very much in need of loving homes.
Keep a collar and tag on your cat. Cats are very resourceful and like to try to escape whenever the chance presents itself. If your cat ever wanders off, a collar with an i.d. tag makes it more likely that someone will bring him home.
As you can clearly see, there is a lot of work to be done all of the time. This can be overwhelming for some, but for others it is the chance of a lifetime. By using these tips, you can raise your new feline in a happy, healthy home where it is loved dearly.
