A cat can be powerful, beautiful and extremely bright, compared to other domestic pets. They are among the most popular pets and can be seen roaming the streets of many towns and cities. That said, having a cat in your home is very different! Cats are very intelligent, yet they can be hardheaded.
Choose a high quality food. The key to a healthy cat starts with nutrition. Take a look at the ingredients label. If you look at most “popular” commercial cat foods, you may be surprised to see the top ingredient listed is corn. Cats are carnivores, so look for a food with a real meat as the top ingredient. You may pay more up front, but these foods are often more nutritionally dense, meaning your cat eats less and the bag lasts longer.
Don’t be pushy when you are getting to know your new cat. Cats prefer to be in control and take things at their own pace. Make sure your new cat is comfortable and safe. 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.
Make your own enclosed litter box from a large tote box with a lid. Use a coffee can lid as a pattern to cut a door in one side of the tote. Place the coffee can lid fairly high up on the side of the tote. Trace around it with a permanent marker. Cut out the circle with tin snips or a box cutter. Add litter. Put on the lid.
Consider those expensive cat litter boxes. There are cat litter boxes now that allow you to have minimal interaction with them. This can be great for anyone who is tired of cleaning a litter box. But be careful, as they may not work as easily as they claim to. If you can, make sure there is a return policy and don’t lose the receipt. You may find you prefer the old-fashioned style!
Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.
You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Make sure your children are aware of rooms that are open to your cat. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.
Sometimes you need to give your cat a pill. Some cats are harder than others, but you should trim their nails first. Then hold the head, open the mouth, and put the pill in. Then blow on the cats face. This will likely make the cat lick its nose, and the pill will go down naturally.
Have patience with your cat. Remember that your cat is not a dog, and may not be as easily trainable as one. However, if you are being clear in your commands and gently encouraging them, you’ll find that your cat responds the way you want him to. Just be patient.
Most veterinarians recommend that you feed your cat food that is in the can as opposed to the dry varieties in the box or bag. This is because the canned food contains more water, fat and protein than the dry variety. It is also easier to consume for cats with dental issues.
Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. They prefer encouragement instead. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.
If your cat is bitten by another cat, try to get him to the vet within 24 hours. The vet can put him on antibiotics that will protect him from infection setting in, and causing serious health problems. Cat bites can trap bacteria under your cat’s skin, forming an abscess, or other dangerous infection that can cost you hundreds of dollars to treat later.
Switch up cat food flavors. Cats can be notoriously picky eaters. This can be frustrating if a flavor is out of stock or, worse, discontinued. Don’t let your cat get into the habit of eating one food and only one food. Make sure there’s some healthy variety in your cat’s diet.
If you have a cat that goes outdoors, consider having him micro chipped. A micro chip will help someone to locate you if they ever find your pet. This is especially important if your pet lands in a shelter, as shelters give pets a limited time if they cannot locate the owner easily.
Cats are pretty good at entertaining themselves and are very independent. This does not mean they like to be alone. Make some time to play with your cat. This gives them the bonding they need with their owner. Playtime and love are the two best things that you can provide for your cat.
Outsmarting your cat will quickly become an effortless endeavor after reading more tips like these. In a short time, they will understand where they should be and what they need to avoid. Though they aren’t as easily trained and programmed as a dog is, most cats are actually well-trained, well-mannered pets that behave their owners.