Properly training your new cat takes a unique skill-set that no other animal can prepare you for. If you hope for your pet to be well-behaved, house trained, and playful with others, then you need to spend as much time with it as possible and practice any of the tips you find in the following paragraph. It’s not like a dog that you can leave outside on the chain for weeks.
Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. To stop this from happening, pin your drapes and hide them out of sight.
Keep your cat occupied by making your own dangly toys. Using soft cotton rope, cut a length of about two feet. Tie a knot at one end. Tie another knot about three inches from the opposite end. Unravel the rope below this knot. Attach the rope to the back of a kitchen chair for your cat to play.
An inexpensive rubber welcome mat helps keep cat food off your floor. This is also a great tool to keep your cat from tracking litter out of the box. Black rubber mats cost about three dollars at dollar stores. Put your cat food dish on one and your litter box on another.
Are you a cat and dog owner? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.
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.
You should brush your cat on a regular basis. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. It will also minimize hair loss. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.
To help avoid a finicky cat, feed your cat different brands of cat food. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.
Your kittens don’t want dirty mouths either, so take a toothbrush and clean those gums everyday before breakfast. Without proper brushing, cats can catch diseases, infections, and suffer serious side effects. A few minutes daily keeps these teeth healthy, strong, and sparkling. You should ask a veterinarian how to properly brush your cat’s teeth.
Your cat needs to get regular checkups and vaccinations. This is the only way to make sure that they stay healthy and don’t pick up any illnesses or parasites. A veterinarian can provide these services for you. Animal shelters can be used as well if there isn’t a vet near you.
Make sure that you change your cat’s food and water on a regular basis. Just like humans, cats want to eat fresh food and drink water that is clean. Feed them at the same time each and every day if you want them to get into a regular feeding routine.
Your cat should stay inside most of the time, and when it’s outside, you should ensure it remains close to home. Indoor kitties typically live longer than the outdoor variety. If you want to give your indoor cat some outdoor time, exercise with them. That way, your cat gets some fresh air, sunshine and outdoor scenery without the risks of free-roamers.
Encourage your child to play with cats by using toys, not by using their fingers and hands. Choose toys that put distance between the child’s hands and the cat’s teeth and claws. During a vigorous play session, an excited kitten is more likely to accidentally scratch its playmate’s skin. For example, you might use a long wand-type toy with a dangling feather or bell.
Sometimes cats can have problems with arthritis when they get older. This makes it harder for them to get around. You can buy them a heated bed to lay in to help ease the discomfort. It is also a good idea to talk to the vet about any medications that might help out.
When adopting a cat, consider adopting two. Cats are social creatures, and they prefer to be in the company of other feline friends. Having two will help to keep your kitty occupied, and it can make it easier to take care of your new pet. If owning two is not an option, make sure to spend extra time giving your cat love.
Using flea and tick medicine on your cat is very important to your cat’s well-being. Monthly medication drops are very good at preventing flea and tick problems. These medicines keep harmful parasites away from your cat. Protect your cat by purchasing products that are formulated exclusively for felines.
The way to take good care of your cat is to groom them often. Use a brush to remove any excess hair. Cats usually enjoy being brushed and will come running to you when they see the brush in your hand. Keep their nails trimmed so they do not grow back and injure their paws.
Although cats are quite vigilant about grooming themselves, you can avoid excessive cat hair all over your house by taking time each day to stroke your cat with firm hands from head to tail each day. This daily massage will remove the hair your cat is shedding and he will enjoy the attention too!
Your first cat will always be your hardest, but the ones that follow will all be pretty difficult as well. Each cat has its own unique attitude, habits, and back-story. All that you can do is try your hardest to train them properly and implement the tips you have read above.
