It is easy to get caught up in the simple fun of a feline game. That said, they need to be entertained. Simply sitting at home playing with your cat can be enough for enjoyment. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to better days.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Keep dangerous chemicals away from your cat. Just like children, cats need to be kept away from items like cleaning materials since they could harm them. These chemicals are basically poison and if your cats consumes some or gets some on them, they could get very sick, get burned, or possibly die. Store these items in a place where your cat can’t find them or use a child-proof lock on their location.
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.
Give your kitty lots of love. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.
Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. To fix this problem, you can try buying a new food. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.
When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.
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.
Sometimes you need to give your cat a pill. Some cats are harder than others, but you should trim their nails first. Then hold the head, open the mouth, and put the pill in. Then blow on the cats face. This will likely make the cat lick its nose, and the pill will go down naturally.
It is important that your cat always where a collar that identifies them. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. Include medical issues if appropriate.
Look for potential problems when getting a new cat. Their eyes should be clear, nose clear as well, and the ears without any kind of discharge. The cat should have a shiny coat and the mouth and gums should be free of sores. Taking on an unhealthy cat can be expensive.
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.
Consider purchasing a self cleaning litter box if you are not good about scooping your box regularly. A self cleaning litter box will automatically rake the box every time your cat goes to the bathroom. This can result in a cleaner box, meaning your friend will use it more regularly and you will be left without odors in your home.
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.
During the cold winter months when your cat goes out less often, keep your cat active indoors with interesting feathered toys and a solid scratching post or two. Rotate the toys regularly to make sure that your cat doesn’t loose interest and continues to be entertained and active until the warmer weather comes around again.
Your cat always should have some fresh water around. Although you may not realize how much daily water your cat drinks, there is nothing more important than water for a healthy cat. Clean your cat’s water bowl everyday, and ensure he can freely access it.
If you are currently giving your cat milk instead of water, it is time to stop. Milk is very high in calories, and it can cause your cat to become overweight. In addition, milk can cause digestive problems in some cats. Opt for clean, fresh water instead to keep your cat happy and healthy.
If your cat ventures outdoors regularly, always check him when he comes back in. Make sure his fur is free from mats and his skin is free from bites or scratches. If you do find such problems, tend to them immediately or visit your veterinarian if necessary. This is essential to helping your cat maintain a healthy life.
You could be playing games with your kitten right now. As you can see, relating to your cat is really not that difficult at all. Healthy, vigorous cats tend to have longer lives.