It is hard to describe how wonderful it is to have a cat. Make no mistake, though: Being a responsible cat owner involves putting in quite a bit of effort. There are a variety of important responsibilities that all cat owners must understand. Here you’ll see exactly what those are. Keep reading to learn all you can.
Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. It can really be a life saver for your cat.
If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap it up in a towel and place it under where your cat sleeps. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.
It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. Cats love being up high so that they can see. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.
You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.
Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. Kids of this age aren’t old enough to know how dangerous a cat can be. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.
Cats have a love affair with heights. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. Additionally, you can place a bed or blanket in this space.
Litter Box
Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. Usually this is a sign that you haven’t cleaned the box recently. If your punish your car, he or she is just going to become scared of you.
Your cat should like their carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. The cat will enter it on its own. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.
Cats Prefer
Buy your cat a fountain to drink from. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Cats prefer to drink water that is streaming. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. A fountain will give them the same effect, and it is more environmentally friendly.
If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. With enough time to acclimate themselves to the new arrangement, though, virtually any two cats will become willing, friendly, and perhaps even inseparable companions.
Pay attention if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box properly. It may be the sign of an underlying medical issue. This may be a symptom of an infection of the urinary tract or another health problem in your cat. You can solve this problem thanks to some very affordable antibiotics.
Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Enjoy your cat every day.
Litter Box
One way to get a cat to use the litter box is to move it to a different place in the house. Cats perceive using the bathroom as an activity that makes them vulnerable, so moving the litter box to a less-trafficked area means your cat is more likely to use it. Some good places would be basements, laundry rooms, and any other place that doesn’t have a lot of noise and people going in and out.
As previously stated, owning a cat is beneficial to you. In order for your cat to be healthy and happy, you must give it the right care and attention. Ensure you utilize the excellent tips in this article in order to raise a healthy cat.
