Cats are often viewed as feminine animals, but the truth is that there are plenty of cats perfect for becoming mans next best friend. Different breeds and bloodlines make an impact on how your new cat looks, behaves, and is cared for. Use this article to find some of the breeds that you find most entertaining.
Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. It may actually cause them some serious harm. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.
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.
Give your cat plenty of love and affection. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Cats, just like people, want to feel like a loved part of a family. Socialization is important to them. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.
Do not use medicine meant for a dog on a cat. This is especially important for topical medicines. Cats do their own cleaning, and if a dog medicine is used on a cat, your pet can ingest it. There are some medicines that work for both cats and dogs, but only use them if the vet says it is okay.
When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. Establishing these boundaries ahead of time prevents any confusion.
Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.
Put the right amount of cat litter in the litter box. Some people try to get out of cleaning the box by putting too much litter in there. Cats don’t like walking on sand dunes! Two inches or so should be sufficient for the cat’s needs, and you just have to be vigilant about cleaning the box out.
Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.
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.
Your cat should be given food from a can. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. Your cat can get more water, fat and protein from canned food. It’s much easier for older cats to chew it as well. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.
While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.
A kitty door is a great way to allow your cat to go in and out, without any help from you. You can also use kitty doors on doors inside your home. This can be great if you have a dog or small children, to keep them out of the room with the litter box.
Use aversives to deter your feline friend from going places where it is not allowed. An aversive is anything that creates an undesirable environment for your cat. Examples include shelf paper (sticky side facing upward) and tinfoil. Most cats prefer to avoid these textures at all costs. You can also use carpet tape that has adhesive on both sides.
Never give your cat a medication that was formulated for humans. If your cat is suffering from a medical condition, be sure and take them to a vet to get the proper medication. You could unintentionally kill your beloved pet if you use medications designed for humans.
Spaying or neutering your cat is your job as a pet owner that takes care of their responsibilities. Cats always need to explore things. Indoor cats will sometimes try to slip out of your home. If your cat ventures outside even for a little bit, she can get pregnant. As a result of overpopulation, cats are often put down.
When disciplining a cat for bad behavior, you must catch him in the act, or discipline is futile. You must also never hit your cat, as this could hurt him and damage the relationship you have with him. Instead, try using a squirt gun, giving him a gentle squirt when you catch him engaging in bad behavior. This will eventually teach him that there is an undesirable consequence for what he is doing, causing him to think twice before he does it again!
These cats are only a small part of the feline family and your options are nearly limitless. A budget and a location is all that is inhibiting you from bringing home the biggest and meanest tiger in the jungle. Animal adoption shelters are a great place to find these breeds and many more.
