A cat is a in incredibly deadly animal in the wild of some countries. Today’s domesticated breeds can seem equally as ferocious or wild if they aren’t properly cared for from the beginning. These paragraphs cover many of the responsibilities you can expect to handle and a few ideas for making them easier.
Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.
If you find you cat is harming furniture or other objects, it may be bored. Keep a few safe toys around for your cat to play with. Scratching posts can also deter your cat from scratching your furniture. Or, build a small cat house out of cardboard. Your cat will love having a place to hide, and the cardboard can also be used to scratch on!
Consider getting your cat a scratching post. Scratching is something that comes extremely easy to cats; it is part of their nature. Don’t force your cat to play with it. Rather, interest him in it by spraying catnip spray on it, or by dangling a string from the top. Soon he’ll get the idea that it’s there for a reason!
Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.
Cats love to climb trees. This is a natural tendency, that can be hard for some indoor cats to control. If you find that your cat is literally climbing up your curtains, it is time to invest in a cat tower. This will provide your cat a place to climb, in a safer and less destructive way.
If you want to buy a second cat, prepare for some time where the cats will be familiarizing themselves with each other. They may seem like they’re fighting all the time. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.
When your cat has kittens, it can be tempting to get rid of them as soon as possible, but you should wait a reasonable amount of time. A kitten needs to learn a few things from mom before going off into the world alone, so give him six weeks to learn all he can.
Cats have an uncanny ability to always find their way home. If you move to a new home, keep your cat inside for about a month. This will help your cat to familiarize themselves with the smells of your new place. If you let your cat out too soon, they might go home to the wrong house.
If you suspect that your cat is pregnant, make an appointment with the vet as soon as you can to make sure that is really the case. There are a few serious illnesses that can mimic pregnancy, so you want to make sure that none of these has affected your cat.
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.
Medical conditions and other dietary factors may make it necessary to switch your cat from moist foods to dry formulas. Cats are finicky enough already, and many resist the change. For the first week or so, mix the dry food with a small amount of warm water to soften it up. Gradually decrease the liquid until your cat will eat the dry food. If you try this approach, do not allow the moistened food to sit for longer than 20 minutes; it could spoil.
Any difference in the environment of your home is easily detected by the keen sense of smell that your cat possesses. This may cause some problems when introducing new beds, scratching posts, or food dishes. Don’t get frustrated if they don’t like these items right away. The object will begin to smell more like home, and the cat is more likely to feel comfortable.
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.
Be aware that the holidays, with all the excitement and bustle, may not be the right time to present your child with the gift of a cat. A good idea would be to take your children with you when you go to pick out your new pet.
Your cat should be kept inside during inclement weather. Cats do not fare well in the extreme rain and snow. Cats will seek hiding places in such weather, and they might try to hide under a car hood. Leaving them out could cause you to lose them after the weather clears.
When a cat doesn’t learn the right lessons growing up, it can become an aggravating mess of hair and claws. Pamper your kitten using these tips and take care of their appearance as they grow older. A cat can become a lifelong friend if it is treated the right way.
