Cats are a very common house pet but there is also a wide population of wild cats. These orphaned cats make up 1/2 of the domesticated pet population, and they can be a pain if you reside in the city. You can learn how to deal with these cats before they cost you money.
Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline's bed. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.
Dog Products
Dog products shouldn't be used on cats. Cats don't like dog products. This is especially true of flea products. Your cat can die if you use a dog flea product on it. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.
Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.
A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If your couch is starting to look like it's been put through a shredder, it's time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower. Teach your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.
The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat's litter box. Don't put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat's food. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that's well ventilated. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.
Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.
Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. If you're planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. This will ensure nothing bad happens.
Don't leave a kitten with small kids. Under five, the child needs to be watched. A child of that age doesn't realize when they are being too rough with a pet. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.
You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. While punishment is a good strategy to train dogs, it is not adapted to cats. They like responding to encouragement better. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. Then, you will have no problem using the carrier.
Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Cats generally respond better to a stream of water. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. Fountains keep the water cool and clean.
Feed canned food to your cat. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. As a cat ages, it has a harder time chewing. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.
Long-haired cats require more care than their short-haired comrades. Silky, long hair can be stunning, but that fur won't look as pretty when it's on your sofa, clothes, and carpet. Don't adopt a cat with long fur unless you're sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.
Litter Box
If the cat stops using their litter box all of a sudden, keep an eye on this. Some feline health problems may cause your cat to refuse to use their litter box. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.
Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. In part, these include garlic, onions and grapes. They can really hurt a cat if ingested. Milk also often upsets your cat's stomach.
Put sticky tape on furniture. This can deter your cat from scratching the upholstery. There is tape available that is specifically designed for this. You can put this tape on your furniture and get a scratching post to get your cat out of this habit.
Stray cats should no longer be a problem after reading this article. Cats can attack your other pets, tear up gardens, or call for their friends. Be wary handling or trying to remove feral cats from your yard. It is possible to form an attachment with a feral cat and make him your pet.