Several jobs come included with the package when you adopt a new cat. Feeding and entertaining your pet are the obvious two, but you also need to focus on keeping them clean. Cleaning a cat can be an extremely daunting experience because cats hate water and they usually have claws. Use the tips below to keep your feline healthy and clean all year around.
If you have outdoor cats, be sure to discourage pests such as coyotes, possums and raccoons by bringing cat food indoors at night. Feed your cats first thing in the morning, and make sure there is no food left at nightfall. This will keep your cats safe from attack and illness.
If your dog and cat are best friends, be sure to keep them separate after flea treatment. Your dog’s flea products are very hazardous for cats. Cats that come in contact with dog flea products often die. Be sure to use only cat products on your cat and only dog products on your dog.
If you just got your cat you want to take them to the veterinarian right away, especially if it is a feral cat or kitten. Kittens are born with parasites and need shots and medication to get rid of them. Feral cats can carry diseases. This is why it is important to have them checked out immediately.
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!
Think hard before allowing your cat outside. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. When your cats go outside, keep an eye out to make sure they do not wander too far away.
Let your cat exercise their hunting instinct. Cats are natural born hunters; however, this does not mean you need to allow mice to invade your home. Hide treats and toys throughout your home, and your cat will have a blast hunting down their treats. You can also find feather and laser toys that your cat can chase and pounce on.
When bringing a new kitten home, take it slow. It is tempting for children to want to play with the new addition to your home immediately. But the young cat will likely be scared. Give the cat time to acclimate itself to your home and to get comfortable with everyone.
If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. When this occurs, it tends to be because the box is not being maintained properly. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.
Cats’ curiosity often puts them in risky situations. Something as simple as a necklace, window pull, or phone cords can cause your pet to become injured or even killed. These items should be bound securely so that they are not a source of temptation for your inquisitive pet. Many childproofing aids work just as well for your kitten.
Now, not only can your cat be the biggest and baddest feline in the neighborhood, it can also be the cleanest cat in town. You might get lucky and find a cat that doesn’t mind the water and remains calm while covered in soap. Keep these tips in mind while you proceed and don’t let the past become involved.
