Cats and people come from very different worlds. As such, it’s amazing that we can live together so well. These cat care tips cover subjects such as bringing out your kitty’s hunting instincts, and preventing litter box problems. Following these tips will help you and your kitty to better bond and enjoy each other’s company.
Cats and people come from very different worlds. As such, it’s amazing that we can live together so well. These cat care tips cover subjects such as bringing out your kitty’s hunting instincts, and preventing litter box problems. Following these tips will help you and your kitty to better bond and enjoy each other’s company.
1. Lay your hands on your cat often – some cats just don’t like to be picked up no matter what. But, if you can start handling your cat often when she’s a kitten, chances are good she’ll better accept it later in life. She’ll also do better when it comes time to get checked by the vet or have her claws trimmed.
2. Check your cat for health problems – use weekly (or more often) grooming sessions to examine your cat for common health problems. Check your cat’s teeth, gums, eyes, ears, skin, and limbs for obvious problems. Check for fleas, ear mites, and signs of pain, swelling, or injury.
3. Provide a bed by a window – house cats love warmth, so much so that they’ve been known to singe their tail hair on hot stoves. So set up a nice comfortable bed for your cat by a window so she can sunbathe.
4. Keep your cat indoors – every major cat care organization recommends keeping your cat indoors for safety, better health, and a longer life. Cats can live out a healthy life indoors, get the exercise they need, and survey their territory from a nice spot in front of the window.
5. Your cat wants to hunt, so let her – I’m not talking about rats. Get a few treats and spread them around the house to bring out the hunting instinct in your kitty. Also, try throwing dry food bits and watch her chase them down. This will make feeding time more interesting for both of you.
6. More litter boxes – the one plus one rule says there should be one box for each cat in the house plus one more. That way, there’s always a fresh, available box to use when she needs it. Some cats simply don’t like using a box that was recently used, even if they were the one to use it.
7. Keep a clean cat box – clean the box twice a day and change the litter every few weeks. When you do, thoroughly clean the box and use bleach to disinfect. Keeping the box squeaky clean will help prevent any possible litter box problems that might arise.
8. Play with your cat often – dangle toys for your cat to play with, or have your cat teach you to play fetch. Chase your cat around the house whenever you can. Get your cat exercising every day and you’ll help lower risks of diabetes and other diseases.
9. Provide a variety of interesting cat toys – always leave your cat’s favorite toys accessible, but rotate the others to keep it interesting. You should not leave your cat unsupervised while playing with most toys, however, as injury can occur. Also, a shoe lace, belt, or rope, if used safely, can make a great interactive toy. Playing with toys provides exercise for your cat, and fun for both of you.
10. Get your cat a feline friend – every cat lover knows that two cats are better than one. When you can’t pay attention to your cat, a playmate in the house will. A second cat around the house will help to stave off boredom, encourage exercise, and offer comfort. Bored kitties are prime candidates for behavior problems, and are more likely to cause mischief.
Encouraging your cat to exercise will keep her in shape, and encouraging her instincts will make her better adjusted family member. More touching will bring you closer and make your cat more social. Keeping your cat indoors will keep her safe. The cat care tips concerning the litter box will save you some possible headache. Preventing boredom will keep her happy, and keep both of you out of trouble.
