A lot of people get a cat because kittens are so adorable. Then, when they get the cat home, they’re not sure what to do. They are not always as expressive as dogs are, so cats can sometimes be puzzling. Here are a couple ways you can keep your cat happy.
Be sure to have your pet cat spayed or neutered by the time it is six months old. A spayed or neutered cat is a more satisfactory pet because it is calmer, quieter and more likely to stay home. Neutered male cats do not spray urine to mark their territory. This is definitely a plus when it comes to cat ownership.
Play with your cat using proper cat toys. Cats love toys that help them feel like the predators that they think they are. Try sticking with toys that help them dance around or jump. This can also help them use extra energy by pouncing on toys instead of people’s feet.
Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.
Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. A kitty tower can really save your furniture. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.
Get a scratching post to keep your cat from tearing up your carpet. If you can, get a post that does not have the same type of carpet that is on the floor of your home, so your cat doesn’t associate the two. Instead, get a post that is covered in cardboard, sisal, or thick rope.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
When training a cat, take the proper approach. Encouragement works better than anger. If you are trying to teach a kitten to use a litterbox, for instance, yelling will only frighten a small cat. When the cat starts to go outside the box, gently place them in the box so they learn.
When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Many times, this is caused by failure to properly clean or place the litter box. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.
Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Cats react better to a moving water stream. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.
Keep track of your feline friend by having the animal microchipped. This small device is implanted beneath the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades. Microchip implantation may sting for a few seconds, but the implant is otherwise unnoticeable and will not cause your pet any discomfort. This chip makes it easier for animal control to locate your cat if it goes missing.
It’s important for your cat to get plenty of playtime. Really play is something that all mammals share, no matter the age. While older cats aren’t near as energetic, they still enjoy playing often. Make sure you have fun with the cat whenever you can!
Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. The more a cat sheds, the moor they should be properly brushed. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.
Get your cat all the necessary vaccinations. There are a number of them and you should talk to your veterinarian about the proper schedule. Many are given at the early stages of a kitten’s development, then given annually thereafter. These vaccinations prevent such problems as feline leukemia, rabies and respiratory problems.
If you suspect that your cat is pregnant, make an appointment with the vet as soon as you can to make sure that is really the case. There are a few serious illnesses that can mimic pregnancy, so you want to make sure that none of these has affected your cat.
Is your cat really sweet and lovable? If so, they might make a good therapy pet. Pet therapy uses animals to go into places like nursing homes, and bring some joy to the people there. Your cat will be happy with all the attention, and you can feel good about doing something positive for others.
After reading this article, you are probably going to be better at taking care of your cat. Try each tip out, to see what your cat responds best to. You can always find out more, so make sure you keep learning about cats so that yours always feels taken care of.
