Are you looking for a pet? Do you want a warm companion to keep you company on cold wintery nights? If you answered yes, then you should consider getting a cat. They are the perfect pets and they are pretty easy to care for. You can learn more about caring for them in the following advice.
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.
Make sure that your cat is well groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. Doing it constantly can help you keep their coats clean. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.
If your cat is misbehaving, you can influence its behavior in a safe and humane way by using water. Fill a small squirt gun or a spray water bottle with plain water. Give your cat a few light squirts of water when you catch it misbehaving and it will soon learn to stop doing the unwanted behavior.
To keep your cat healthy and strengthen its bond with you, always set aside lots of play time. Kittens especially need lots of attention, which you can easily give to them through play. Pull a piece of string around for a fun and gentle way to keep a cat entertained for hours!
Make sure your cat is properly hydrated. Like humans, cats need to drink lots of water. If they don’t get enough water, they can get dehydrated, develop various health problems, or die. Make sure they always have a bowl of fresh and clean water. The bowl itself also needs to be cleaned and refilled every day. You should also keep this bowl in one location.
Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.
Put the litter box in an ideal location. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. Additionally, don’t make the mistake of putting it in a poorly-ventilated area, or the smell will become overpowering. This will make you and your cat happy.
If you want to have your cat for many years, it is a good idea to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.
Speak to your peers about your cat issues. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.
By getting your cat the shots and check-ups that it needs, you’ll be able to make sure that your cat lives as long as possible. Kids need shots, and so do cats. Your cat is a member of your family, so treat them like any valued member of your home.
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.
When your cat first gives birth to her kittens, resist the urge to pick them up. This is a crucial time for kittens to bond with their mother and learn some basics, so leave them alone. You should be able to have more interaction with the kittens after about a week.
Put a collar on the cat that lists your name, address, and phone number on it. Even an indoor cat can get out. If this happens, ensure there’s a way they can find home again.
If your cat has a problem with frequent hairballs, he may end up with digestive problems, retching and vomiting. The best way to avoid hairballs is to keep your cat well-groomed, brushing him daily to remove loose hair. Less hair means less hairballs. Another benefit of frequent brushing is that is great for bonding with your cat. Most cats love to be brushed and groomed.
If you have any household plants, keep them out of reach of your feline friend. Always remember that your kitty can jump and climb, so just keeping them up high might not be enough. Houseplants can be dangerous to cats, some even cause often fatal health conditions. Keep your kitty safe by making sure your plants are well out of reach, especially when you are not home.
If you live in an apartment building with a porch, do not allow your cat on it unless they are enclosed. Cats have a warped sense of perception sometimes, and they may think they are closer to the ground than they are. If they jump, they may not be able to survive the fall.
Now that you know how to care for a cat, you should have no problems getting one. A cat can do wonders for your life. It can provide you with plenty of hours of companionship. Heed the advice given here and you’ll have a friendly companion that will never leave your side.
