Is a cat a part of your family? If you are a cat owner, than you know just how special cats are. Cats need a lot of care and love. Luckily, you are able to give it all that it needs. This article will show you how its done.
Let kittens and cat-friendly pet dogs get to know each other slowly. Put up a baby gate to keep dogs in one room while your new kitten gets used to its surroundings. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures to the gate to meet the dogs. When the kitten feels safe, it will climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out to safety.
Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.
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.
An indoor cat who gets a taste of the outdoors will forever want to go outside. If you know your cat will always be an indoor cat, do your best to keep them from sneaking out. You can try to train your cat to stay in your yard when you are outside.
If you don’t want your cat to scratch up furniture, try filling a small spray bottle with water and spritzing your cat whenever he tries. Cats generally avoid water altogether for reasons no one is sure about, so he will not like this. Eventually he will stop scratching to avoid getting sprayed.
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.
If your cat seems to want to avoid his food bowl, try getting a different kind of bowl. Plastic can sometimes turn a cat off if it isn’t cleaned constantly, and can hold on to certain scents. Try glass or a metal bowl for best results, so your cat will keep eating.
While children should help with the care and responsibilities of a cat, leave the litterbox duties to the grownups or older children. A cat’s litterbox can carry diseases and parasites. Since younger children may not follow proper handwashing procedures, this job is better left to those older and more responsible.
Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.
You love your cat, and you want to make sure you’re giving it the best care you can. Now that you have read this article, you are more knowledgeable on proper cat care ideas. Implement these ideas to create a safer, happier home for your cat. The love you give your cat will be returned unconditionally.