Can You Teach Your Cat New Tricks?

TIP! The claws of a cat can really destroy parts of your house and furniture. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem.

Cats are amazing to watch and obviously make exceptional pets. They’re great because they’re able to take care of themselves mostly. You can improve the quality and quantity of your cat’s years by following the guidelines below.

TIP! Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways.

Keep your cat groomed. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. It also stops hairballs. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.

TIP! If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance.

Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. Electronic items with tasty-looking, thin cords (video game controllers, phone chargers, and so on) should be stored securely when you’re not using them.

TIP! Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats.

It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. One good way to beat this problem is by giving your kitty some safe, high perches throughout the house. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.

TIP! Feed your cat high-quality cat food. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying.

Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.

Litter Box

TIP! Cats need to play! Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing.

The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. You’ll want to place the box in a spot with good ventilation to avoid unpleasant smells. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!

TIP! Help your cat live a longer life by keeping them healthy and keeping them current with check-ups and vaccinations. Not unlike kids, kittens require vaccinations and check ups every so often so that they do not get sick.

Cats frequently groom themselves. Long hair encourages hairballs. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.

TIP! Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. Never allow your cat to nibble on garlic, onions or green tomatoes.

Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.

TIP! A cat that is declawed should never spend time being outside. It can’t defend itself with no claws.

Do all you can to figure out what’s causing your cat to meow. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. The meows may indicate hunger, happiness, or a desire to go exploring. Look for the cues and you’ll be much more in tune with your pet.

TIP! You should never medicate a cat with something that was meant for humans. If your cat needs medication, then you should take your cat to the vet.

Get your cat a drinking fountain. Cats like their water to move. Cats generally respond better to a stream of water. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. A fountain keeps the water moving without letting any go to waste.

TIP! Your cat has a remarkable sense of smell, much better than humans. They detect subtle changes in their environment.

Feed canned food to your cat. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. Your cat will get extra protein and fats from canned food along with some of the water it needs every day. Canned food is much easier to chew for older cats. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.

TIP! You want to be watchful regarding panting. Dogs pant and that is the norm.

Dogs let you know when they are excited and/or happy when they wag their tails. Cats also wag their tails, but for totally different reasons. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If kitty starts wagging his tail while you’re holding him, it’s best to put him down so you don’t get scratched.

TIP! If you got a cat during a period of joblessness and are now re-entering the workforce, you should watch out for possible attachment issues. It can be a good idea to get a companion cat to keep yours company when you are at work.

Don’t give a cat human medications. If they have health issues, see a vet and give them what they provide. Giving your pet medication that was meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and it may even cause death.

TIP! Overfeeding your cat can result in serious health issues as he ages. They can develop diabetes or heart disease, just like humans.

Act fast if you cat is panting. For dogs, panting is typical behavior. If a cat is panting, it might indicate simple anxiety or overheating. On the other hand, it may a symptom of a more serious health problem. Contact your vet right away, especially if they’ve had respiratory issues a while back.

TIP! Investigate for spaces you don’t want your cat getting into. Cats can sneak into small gaps and areas.

Try to feed your cat dry food as much as possible. Kittens need wet food, though. When adult teeth come in, the harder foods maintain the strength of their teeth. For those cats who are picky eaters, a mixture of both dry and wet food usually does the trick.

TIP! Your cat will probably become upset if you bring another pet home. To avoid the stress and possible altercations, separate the animals for a period of time.

Put sticky tape on furniture. If the cat tends to scratch your upholstery, some tape may stop the practice. You can even find tape specifically designed for this use in many pet stores. You should also give your cat a favorable alternative by purchasing a scratching post.

TIP! Many cats just can’t pass up a house plant. This can cause serious problems, particularly if the plant they get into is poisonous.

There are so many reasons why people love to keep cats as pets. However, you must know how to properly care for them. Keep the advice from this article in mind to become the best cat owner you can be. Do this to ensure your cat has an enjoyable life.

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