Great Cat Care Tips – Cat owners know that members of the feline family can be fairly finicky (note the attempted use of alliteration). That being the case, they’ve adopted the stereotype either rightfully or wrongfully that they are high-maintenance companions that require meticulous care. But the truth is pet care for cats isn’t hard. You just have to know what you’re dealing with. If you try and take care of a cat as you would a dog, you’ll probably end up with disappointing results. The following article on cat care tips will help guide you in taking the best care possible of your cat and ensure your feline friend has a long and healthy life.
You are what you eat. This holds true for every living species on earth whether you’re a full-grown human or a kitten. Providing a healthy and balanced diet for your cat is the key to his happiness and vitality. While higher quality food carries a heavier price tag, you’ll save money over the long haul as your cat will have far fewer health issues that need fixing over his lifetime. Your cat may not be a picky eater, but that’s no excuse for feeding it processed can foods during each meal. Focus on setting up a customized diet with your veterinarian that works well with your cats individual physical needs.
Remember that cats are true carnivores and must eat meat. Only give your cats cat food to eat and as common sense as this sounds, do not feed them or let them eat dog food. Dogs and cats have different nutritional needs and some of the ingredients in dog food could harm your cat.
General Cat Care Tips
If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. Change it regularly if you need to.
Cats are constantly grooming themselves, and this is why they rarely need a bath. If your cat gets into something particularly stinky, a bath will not hurt them even if he or she acts like it’s the end of the world. If your cat doesn’t like water, you might want to wear gloves so that you do not get scratched. You might also want to enlist the help of a friend or family member if your cat has a particular aversion to water.
If you’re a new cat owner, don’t be pushy when you are getting to know your new cat. While it’s important that the cat knows who the master is, it’s helpful to let him or her learn this fact in a safe and comfortable environment. You’re building the foundation of your relationship with your new cat so it’s important to realize that the early training is the most important. Unlike many types of dogs, cats prefer to be in control and take things at their own pace. Let your cat take its time exploring its new environment. When your cat feels at home, it will be more likely to try to make friends with you.
Cat Care Advice – Your cats environment is very important. Although cats have a reputation for being content with doing nothing, it’s still vital to provide your cat with stimulating toys. Boredom can often be the cause of unwanted cat behavior. If you’re looking for creative ways to keep your cat interested, consider subscribing to a cat subscription box where each month you’ll be sent cat treats and toys that you’re pet will really appreciate (for all the dog owners out there, they have dog subscription boxes as well.)
In case you didn’t know, cats come with claws that can be used to really scratch up your home. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your furniture, invest in a kitty tower or cat scratching post. They are a great way to let cats be themselves without compromising your living area. Train your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. As is the case with training any pet, patience is key. It may take a little time for your cat to learn this, but remember that slow and steady will bring about the most consistent change. As you’re training your cat to scratch the post, you can positively reinforce that behavior by offering him or her rewards for a job well done.
If your cat has a tendency to eat your plants, use negative reinforcement to prevent that behavior in the future. You can either purchase bitter apple spray and spray the pot, or you can put a bit of clove oil on a cotton ball and bury it a bit in the soil. Your cat will avoid both. Here are some additional tips to prevent your cat from eating your plants.
If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you should consider doing so in a controlled and secure area.
Cats have their own body-types much like humans and they face their own problems while whipping that body into shape. Make a point to take your cat outside every day and practice a few of these activities to help burn the fat away. Once your cat is lean and healthy, you can turn your focus towards maintaining your cat’s current weight.
As you can see, taking care of cats isn’t difficult. It’s more about just knowing and appreciating the nature of cats. Follow the cat care tips above, and you’re sure to have enjoyable feline fellowship for many years to come. Be sure to check out this easy advice to care for your dog also 🙂