A genuine care for your new cat and good intentions are very important, but not always enough in when in the moment. Accidents may occur where you don’t have the right equipment, another animal takes their food, or you were prepared with the wrong information. Great advice that teaches you how to prepare and react during situations like these is always welcomed.
Protect your cat from choking. Be sure to dispose of poultry and fish bones safely. Wrap them in a paper or plastic bag and put them in your outdoor garbage can with the lid tightly secured. Alternately, place them in a plastic bag and freeze them until garbage pick up day.
Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.
High areas are ideal for cats. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. You can use a cleared shelf if you’d rather not have a cat tree. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
You should do regular checkups of your cat between veterinarian visits. A good time to do this is when you are petting the animal. Check the entire body for things like scabs and lesions. Also look in and around the ears for any discharge, which can be a sign of ear mites. Check the cat from head to tail.
You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. Though you want to handle problems on your own, you may require advice from others who own cats. Participate in online discussion boards for cat owners, or pick up the telephone and speak with your vet.
It is important that you do not feed your cat too much food from the table. Cats do not digest human food the same way that your does. It can also lead to your cat becoming overweight. If your cat is carrying around too much weight, it will be hard for them to jump up on furniture and get around.
Understand that your cat is easily influenced by its surroundings. Cats have superior memories and will usually retain training for a lifetime. Conversely, they also retain frightening experiences and it takes them a long time to get over their fears. Be encouraging with your cat and avoid situations that scare them.
Provide safe and engaging entertainment for your cat at all times. Even if you cannot be in the house with your pet, you should ensure that it has access to toys and other diversions. Sometimes we perceive that cats are lazy animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playing to pass the time. This is especially important if your cat is alone in your house for long periods of time.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
Understand the difference between cat play and real aggression. Both activities can look the same to an untrained eye, but there are differences. When two cats are playing, they will bat each other around with claws retracted. They will “bite” with their jaws loose. Real aggression will involve hisses, squeals and hard biting.
It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. Only use medicine that has been prescribed or recommended by a vet. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.
Cats have shockingly sharp noses, which means they can spot changes in their home with ease. It can occur when something new is introduced to the home, like a new water bowl, scratching post or bed. Do not be concerned if your cat does not accept these new items immediately. As the smell takes on the smell of your home, your cat will warm up to it.
If your cat seems excessively thirsty, take him to the veterinarian to get him checked out. Excessive thirst is a common symptom of diabetes in cats, and this often missed diagnosis can cause serious complications if left untreated. Always keep a close eye on your furry friend’s water intake, and if you are concerned get him to the doctor to have a look.
Be on the lookout for any small holes in your home that you do not want your cat to crawl into. Cats have the ability to get through small spaces. Kittens are especially vulnerable. Keep this in mind when bringing new cats into your home. Repair any holes, or change furniture arrangements in problem areas.
If you are a responsible pet owner, you need to keep your cat indoors. The outdoors is no place for your pet. There are lots of dangers out in the world. Your cat can be injured by wild animals, hit by a car or get infested with bugs and diseases if you let them roam free.
You now have a few more obstacles that you can confidently prevent by applying the advice you read above. Similar scenarios are likely to come up before long and your relationship with your cat may benefit from them. Handle each problem just like the tips suggested and watch where the band goes.
