“Feral” is a term for cats that have no home and wander the streets. It is important to learn as much as you can about these creatures to assure you have the best relationship possible. You should keep reading if you want to learn more about what owning a cat means.
Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.
Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.
Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.
Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. Any loose cords should be bundled up and placed in things like paper towel rolls. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.
Keeping your cats away from the counters can be hard. They love to be able to look around from up high. You can remedy this by creating some place up high that you can can enjoy hanging out in. Putting a cat tower in or near the kitchen can help keep the cats from laying on the counter.
Litter Box
Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Both you and your pet will appreciate that.
Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. They usually offer us warm companionship, and they require the same. They are social creates which need reassurance. Make her feel like she is part of your family.
Though cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.
Reconsider having an outdoor cat. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. Cats can become infected with fleas, ticks and ringworm. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, or get injured by a vehicle or another person. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.
Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. Positive reinforcement is a better training tool for cats. Put a nice blanket inside the carrier then leave it where the cat is most often. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.
Mix up the food you feed your cat to avoid them becoming a picky eater. Cats who eat the same food day after day either grow tired of it, or it becomes the only food that they will eat.
As soon as you adopt your cat, fit him with identification tags attached to a collar. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. The tag should have your phone number on it. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.
Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Cats shed considerably; therefore, it is very important you brush them frequently. If your cat sheds a lot, brush it a lot. Frequent brushing or combing keeps the cat from getting a tangled, matted coat.
If you have a pregnant cat ready to birth her babies, be sure she has enough space. The kittens will arrive within three or four hours, so try to be patient. If you believe your cat is still giving birth after six hours, you should immediately drive to the vet’s office.
You should now know more about having a pet cat. A cat can be a constant companion or just a decent neighbor – if you know how to treat it right. Just remember that cats are delicate creatures that need to always be handled with love and affection. You might even surprise yourself and decide to take a member of the feral litter home with you!