Poets and songwriters have often spoken of the importance of a cat in a home. Eliot described felines as a being that all households are dependent on, and that’s true. A cat that is healthy, well-mannered, and happy can make an excellent addition to your home. Unfortunately, cats can be hard to live with sometimes. Here are some things you need to know if you’re going to be living with a cat.
Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.
If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.
It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. Putting a cat tower in or near the kitchen can help keep the cats from laying on the counter.
A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. The majority of veterinarians possess scanners that can read your chips. Because these chips are placed underneath your cat’s skin, they won’t get lost.
Don’t allow your cat become bored. Cats need stimulation. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. If they are indoors, give them a scratching post or something to climb on.
Cats will be up during the night more often than not. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. This will keep them from pouncing on you and trying to play in the middle of the night.
Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. You can’t always get it online. But for routine medication purchases, you may find a discount of 50 percent online.
If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. To keep you cat from feeling nervous, keep the volume at a lower level. A trip is already stressful for a pet.
Cats feel safest in an elevated location. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.
Talk to others when you have a problem with your cat. Although you might want to attempt to handle the problem yourself, other cat owners can provide you with excellent advice that may help you to resolve it. You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.
Caring for a cat can be difficult, but it is very gratifying. The tips you’ve read can help you build a better bond with your cat. You’ll hear less meowing and more purring then.