Owning a cat can bring you tremendous joy. However, it should be noted that owning cat also requires a lot of hard work. You must be aware of the responsibilities of being a cat owner. This article highlights some of the jobs that you will have. Keep reading to discover some great tips on caring for your feline companions.
Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!
Make sure your cat is always well groomed. A cat’s fur must be brushed or combed on a regular basis. Doing it constantly can help you keep their coats clean. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.
Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. They will learn your cat’s history best.
Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.
Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. Choose an area that is well-ventilated to avoid bad smells. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.
If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. Therefore, the volume of your music should be minimized, and turn it off completely if necessary.
A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.
Watch kittens around kids. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. You may not have noticed a problem when you see them together, but very kids do not really understand they can accidentally harm or kill a kitten. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.
Cats enjoy being in high places. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. If you don’t wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.
Brush your cat’s coat often. This will help stimulate blood flow. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.
Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. When this occurs, it tends to be because the box is not being maintained properly. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.
As mentioned earlier, there’s a lot of great things about having a cat. That said, it brings many responsibilities, too. If the thought of having a cat has crossed your mind, use the given information.