Cats have been a longtime human companion. These lovable animals have been showcased in films, book and plays. Cats think that they are independent and in charge at all times. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find tips on how to be a better cat owner.
If your cat suddenly goes off its feed for no apparent reason, try tempting treats such as jack mackerel, tuna, or cream of chicken soup in small amounts. These are not complete foods and shouldn’t be fed long term, but they are extremely tasty to cats. A finicky cat may start eating again and keep on when given one of these treats.
Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. When the tile cools down, change it out for a fresh, warm one.
If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.
Keep your cat healthy and non-finicky by introducing a varied diet. Always purchase several different brands of food and rotate them. In this way, your cat will be used to trying and accepting new tastes. If one food brand goes out of business, you will always have lots of other acceptable choices to offer.
A great toy for your cat is a laser pointer. Cats love to chase the laser around and try to catch it. This will help you give your cat some exercise, while your cat is having fun at the same time. It will also help to fine-tune their hunting skills.
Avoid letting your cat get bored. Cats require plenty of exercise. But many cat owners ignore that need. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.
If your cat takes all the ornaments off the Christmas tree, don’t fight it. Begin collecting attractive cat toys and unbreakable ornaments to decorate the tree next year. Be sure not to decorate with potentially dangerous items like tinsel and garlands. Tinsel is a choking hazard for cats and garlands can cause strangulation.
Do not flush clumpable litter in your toilet. This can lead to problems with your plumbing. Instead just lift the clumps and dispose of them in a trash bag. Don’t forget, moisture is what makes the litter clump in the first place! Avoid doing that to your pipes and just dispose of it properly.
Understand that your cat is easily influenced by its surroundings. Cats have superior memories and will usually retain training for a lifetime. Conversely, they also retain frightening experiences and it takes them a long time to get over their fears. Be encouraging with your cat and avoid situations that scare them.
You should keep wet cat food in the refrigerator after it has been opened. Bring it to room temperature before serving it to your cat, because it will smell more enticing to them and be less likely to cause an upset stomach. If you like, place it in the microwave for a bit to warm it up.
Buy a pet drinking fountain to prevent dehydration. Cats are attracted to running water, so a pet drinking fountain may help to encourage your cat to drink more. Proper hydration can cure and prevent a large number of feline health problems. Therefore, a pet drinking fountain could improve the health of your cat and reduce vet bills.
Playtime is important for kittens as well as older cats. The best games are those that involve hunting and chasing. Try to think like your cat, choosing toys like feathers on string. The cat is attracted to the movement of the toy, so he will love to chase it if you pull it along without him seeing you. It is important to let your pet win occasionally, to keep him interested.
Dogs are known to way their tails. This means they are content or excited and is normal dog behavior. Cats wag or move their tails from side to side as well, but not for the reasons dogs do. A cat wags its tail when it is upset. When you hold your cat and he begins to wag his tail, put him down!
Feed your cat a regular dose of dry food. Kittens need wet food, though. When adult teeth come in, the harder foods maintain the strength of their teeth. Dry food and wet food can also be mixed together for a really finicky cat.
Veterinarian visits are expensive, though often necessary. You can save a great deal of money by filling your cat’s prescriptions online. There are a number of businesses that will ship the medication right to you. This is a good option for flea treatments or for heart worm pills and other treatments you need to use on a regular basis.
Cat owners do like to keep their cats well-groomed and clean by bathing them. Unless the cat is extremely dirty, giving a cat a bath is not recommended. Cats clean themselves, after all. Cats are pretty particular about the way they look.
Cats often feel as if your home is their domain. Using the given tips, your cat will finally learn who runs the show. Cats are wonderful creatures; apply what you’ve just learned, and you and kitty will get along just fine.
