Cat owners find endless joy with their pet. It does take a lot of work to own a cat, though. If you own a cat, there are a number of things you should know about. This article is full of information regarding those particular responsibilities. Keep reading to find out more.
Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.
Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.
Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. If you have rarely used electronics, put them up when you aren’t using them.
It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. They love being above everything so that they can watch it all. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.
Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Nearly every vet and shelter owns a scanner which can read a microchip, and since they’re implanted, there isn’t a risk of the chip falling out or getting lost.
There needs to be set boundaries with your children and a new kitty. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.
Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. Once the child is older and more mature, decide if they are ready for the responsibility of handling animals.
Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.
Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. That hair will truly get everywhere! Unless you’re committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.
If your cat is pregnant, make sure she has plenty of room to give birth. The kittens will arrive within three or four hours, so try to be patient. If your cat has still not given birth to all her kittens after six hours, get her to a vet right away.
Chemicals containing phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. This chemical is present in many household cleaners, such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.
You should always try to keep your cat in your home as much as you can. It has been proven that indoor cats have a much longer life span than cats that live outdoors. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.
Be on the lookout for panting. Dogs love to pant. Panting can mean your cat is anxious or overheated, but it may also be something very serious. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.
Feed your cat as much dry food as you can. Kittens need wet food, though. However, as their teeth grow, the hardness of dry food allows their teeth to get stronger. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.
Sticky Tape
Placing sticky tape on your furnishings can be a helpful trick. This type of tape helps prevent your cat from scratching your furniture if it does this constantly. You can find special tape in most pet stores. Place sticky tape on your furniture and install a scratching post in order to kick this bad habit.
Cats can get sick, too. You will be able to tell when the cat isn’t well. A trip to the vet is worth the time and money in these cases. The vet can then rule out serious conditions.
Consider making your cat an indoor-only friend. Outdoor cats have been proven to have shorter lifespans, and they are easily prone to catching many diseases. Some of the illnesses can actually be passed along to members of the household. Therefore, provide your indoor cat with a sunny location, such as a sunroom or simply a large window, so that it can sit and feel like it’s outside.
There are so many reasons why cats are such popular and beloved pets. That said, it brings many responsibilities, too. Use these tips to make your cat’s life complete.
