There’s nothing like having a pet. There are many kinds of pets, but there’s a special one that has warmed the hearts of many pet owners. Cats are great companions for your home. If you want to care for one, read this article for tips related to caring for cats.
Before acquiring a cat, be sure that you have the wherewithal to take care of all necessary vet care. Cats reproduce at an alarming rate, and spaying or neutering is essential to keeping cat population under control. Check spay, neuter and vaccination costs and packages with local vets and clinics and be sure you can afford to give your cat proper medical care.
Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.
Keep a clean litter box. Like you, a cat will generally not use a bathroom that is filthy. Find a quiet area out of the way that the box can stay in, and don’t move it unless absolutely necessary. Scoop solids out a couple time of day. Make sure to dump the whole box, wash it with a gentle detergent, and refill it once a week.
Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the cardboard rolls that are used for paper towels. Electronics with thin cords must be put out of reach when they aren’t being used.
Cats love to be clean. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.
Consider those expensive cat litter boxes. There are cat litter boxes now that allow you to have minimal interaction with them. This can be great for anyone who is tired of cleaning a litter box. But be careful, as they may not work as easily as they claim to. If you can, make sure there is a return policy and don’t lose the receipt. You may find you prefer the old-fashioned style!
Cats can really be so much more than pets, they can be lifelong companions. It has been proven that cats can decrease your blood pressure, lessen the symptoms of depression and help you to live a longer happier life. If you feel like something is missing in your life, you might just need a cat.
Having a hard time giving your cat a bath? Try this. Take an old window screen and put it in your sink or bathtub. Put your cat in, and he will claw the screen and stay there. Then start washing, but do don’t dilly dally. Use a cup to help you to pour warm water on your cat unless you have a movable shower head.
Cats are pretty low maintenance pets. They do not need as much attention and one-on-one time as dogs do. Cleaning the litter box is one of the most dreaded chores in the house. Investing in a good self-cleaning litter box can help to reduce the amount of times you have to clean it out.
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.
Make sure that there are enough litter boxes in your home for all of the cats that are staying there. It is optimal to have one litter box for each cat. If you live in a home that has a lot of floors, there should be one on each floor for each cat.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.
Help keep your cat’s fur soft and healthy with regular cleaning. While your pet might object violently to a dunk in the bathtub, there are other options. Many pet stores sell feline cleaning wipes. These convenient disposable wipes reduce allergens and remove oils and dirt. Some are scented with chamomile, which helps to calm your cat. These are especially useful if you have an older or injured pet that cannot groom itself properly.
Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. Consult with your veterinarian when your cat refuses to use its litter box.
As stated before, many pets exist, but few are as special as the cat. They are perfect for anyone looking for a new friend to occupy their home. There is some work associated with caring for cats, but it’s no trouble for you. If you use this article, cat care can be a piece of cake.
