If you use proper care techniques, cats can be truly delightful pets. Every owner should learn the ways to care for a cat. Read these tips to be the best cat owner you can be.
You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Cats require special shots to prevent illness and the vet can check their overall health. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat's life. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.
You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. Online prescriptions are not the best choice if you do not have the time to wait on a mail order, such as in a medical emergency. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can often save up to 50 percent by shopping online.
Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. A cat's bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.
Use a tablecloth underneath your cat's dish. It's a common practice for cats to eat their food on the side of their bowl. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat's food bowl. To make clean up a breeze, use a place mat underneath the bowl or a piece of fabric. You'll be able to pick it up easily and shake the excess food into the trash.
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. There are many online forums that discuss cats. Most vets will also be happy to help you with some advice.
Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Therefore, place your cat's favorite toy into its career. Leave the carrier open in a location that your cat frequently visits. In time, the cat will head inside and be happy. This will make getting the cat inside easier later.
Litter Box
If you have a cat who won't use the litter box, try moving it someplace else. Cats know that during the elimination process they are left somewhat vulnerable, so moving the box to a more private area should help. A basement, laundry room, or another area that doesn't experience much household traffic is the ideal spot for the litter box.
Any chemicals that have phenol should be kept away from your cat. Pine-Sol and Lysol contain this ingredient. The smell is pretty offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage.
You should never use medications designed for humans on your cat. If your cat is sick, take it to the veterinarian and use the medication recommended. If you give a pet something that it shouldn't take, you could injure it or even kill it.
Cats will smell changes around their home. It can occur when something new is introduced to the home, like a new water bowl, scratching post or bed. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they'll be more interested in the new object.
Line your furniture with sticky tape. A little strategically-applied tape can discourage your cat from tearing upholstery and scratching furniture. There is specific tape for this sold at pet stores. If you place the tape on the furniture and add a scratching pole, your cat should stop scratching your things.
Cats get some illnesses that we do. You will be able to tell when the cat isn't well. Bring him or her to the veterinarian if this is the case. A well-informed vet can tell you exactly what's wrong and if immediate care is necessary.
Cats can be awesome pets, though they do require proper care. If you're going to own a cat and be responsible about it you should reread this article and use the information that is in it. As long as you put this knowledge to you, your cat will love you every day.