Cats spend a lot of time napping, but when they are awake, you will need to keep them busy to keep them out of trouble. If not, they may find entertainment in tearing up your home. The best way to prevent this is with cat toys. You can find more suggestions on dealing with cats below.
Keep your cat occupied by making your own dangly toys. Using soft cotton rope, cut a length of about two feet. Tie a knot at one end. Tie another knot about three inches from the opposite end. Unravel the rope below this knot. Attach the rope to the back of a kitchen chair for your cat to play.
If your cat is an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.
Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.
Give serious thought to spaying or neutering your cat. Your vet can give you the pros and cons of both, but if you plan to keep your cat for a long period of time you should consider this operation. Cat overpopulation is a real problem, and you can do your part.
Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.
The chances are good that your cat will come running for their favorite treat. There are many different recipes out there specifically for homemade cat treats. This is a fun way to spoil your cat. There is also the benefit of knowing what exactly your cat is consuming, to ensure that it is healthy for them.
Give your cat a water fountain. When cats are out in the wild they like to drink running water, and this is true in your home as well. Streaming water is your best bet. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.
If you notice your cat urinating more frequently or outside his litter box, then it might be time to see the vet. A change in where or how a cat urinates can signal a UTI or other health problem. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.
Don’t buy a closed litter box without first considering the disadvantages. True, it’s nice that you don’t have to see the contents of the litter box. However, odors tend to build up in closed boxes, making it necessary to clean it more frequently. Covered litter boxes also constrict your cat’s movement, which is a problem for larger pets.
There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.
Don’t use products with phenol in a house with a cat. This type of chemical can be found in Pine-Sol, Lysol, and other types of cleaners. These chemicals can have a devastating impact on your cat’s liver.
It is a misconception that cats should drink milk or cream after they are weaned. Once a kitten is weaned from its mother’s milk, it no longer needs milk of any kind. In fact, milk or cream can cause digestive problems when given to an adult cat. So, to be on the safe side, skip the milk, and offer your pets lots of clean water instead.
Despite popular belief, you should never give your cat milk to drink. Cats’ digestive systems lack an abundance of lactase, the enzyme used to break down dairy products. The reality is that this can cause your cat to experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other types of gastrointestinal discomfort. In this case, milk does NOT do a body good!
If your cat has a problem with frequent hairballs, he may end up with digestive problems, retching and vomiting. The best way to avoid hairballs is to keep your cat well-groomed, brushing him daily to remove loose hair. Less hair means less hairballs. Another benefit of frequent brushing is that is great for bonding with your cat. Most cats love to be brushed and groomed.
Your cat needs to wear a collar and tag all of the time. Cats aren’t stupid animals – they may try to leave the house when they find an opportunity. If you have a cat with a tag on then it may have more of a chance to get returned to your home if it escapes.
Getting another pet can upset your cat initially. To keep pet drama at a minimum, keep the pet away from your cat. Have kitty get used to the different smell. In time, your cat and new pet can be introduced; just do not rush it.
Cats are very energetic and you can help them expend that energy by giving them toys. Keep your cats from tearing up your belongings. Everything you’ve read in this article will go a long way toward creating a happier and healthier companion.
