Once a cat is adopted, many obstacles may present themselves to the family taking on the new pet. Pets are great, but adopting one on the spur of the moment, without any preparation, is a bad idea. Some problems come even with total preparation. The best plan is to use the tips in this article to prepare yourself and then expect to be surprised.
Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. Therefore, you should create high areas for resting. A cat tower near your kitchen can give them a place to watch you that is out of the way.
Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.
Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.
Try to figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. You need to learn what their meows mean. It could be she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.
Consider all the options before you let your cat be an outdoors cat. Your cat might not be safe outside. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. There’s the chance that your pet could be harmed by other animals or passing vehicles. If you think your pet needs to go outside, think about enclosing a back patio with metal mesh or some type of heavy screen to keep your cat inside, yet allow them to experience the outdoors.
Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.
Feed your cat quality cat food. Beef, fish or chicken, all great protein sources, should head the list of main ingredients. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.
If you’re adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. After a bit of time, you’ll have two cats that will tolerate, and possibly enjoy, each other.
If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.
A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. All animals of all ages need to play and a cat is no different. Even older cats love a little play, just not as rough. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.
Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. Cats that shed a lot need to be brushed more frequently. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.
Litter Box
Put some thought into where you place the litter box. You may really want to hide that box from everyday life. However, it’s important to make sure your cat can easily access its litter box. Cats can be picky, so you should be sure that you put its litter box in a spot that isn’t difficult to access or unpleasant in some other way. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.
Confine a sanitary area of the house for your cat to give birth. The birth will take place over the span of several hours. If it has been more than six hours and you believe more kittens are still inside your cat, you need to get her to the vet right away.
If you can, keep your cat inside and close to you. Cats who live indoors live longer and are healthier than outdoor cats. You should go outside with your cat every day to play and exercise.
Cat Declawed
Don’t have an outdoor cat declawed. They won’t be able to protect themselves against other animals, and they run the risk of getting seriously injured. Cats that are declawed should be indoor cats only. If you do choose to have your cat declawed, only the front claws should be removed. Don’t cut the back claws because they won’t scratch up your furniture or floors.
These training tips are great for any type of cat, irrespective of breed or age. They are basic ideas relating to raising small cats in all sorts of circumstances. Always remember to have fun with your new adopted kitten because that is the most important concept of them all!
