Cats are one of many animals that clean themselves. Although this works for the cat in many instances, there is only so much that cat can do. You have to step in and groom the cat to keep it healthy. Here are some useful grooming techniques to use on your cat.
Be sure to have your pet cat spayed or neutered by the time it is six months old. A spayed or neutered cat is a more satisfactory pet because it is calmer, quieter and more likely to stay home. Neutered male cats do not spray urine to mark their territory. This is definitely a plus when it comes to cat ownership.
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.
Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. This particularly applies to flea products. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.
Avoid eye contact to make friends with a cat. Ever wonder why cats seem drawn to the person who likes cats the least? The answer lies in cat body language. To cats, staring is “rude” and can be considered a challenge. Looking away shows that you respect their space and are not going to be a threat. So next time you are looking to meet a new feline friend, look away and let them approach you.
If you cat is pregnant is with babies, you can expect to have a lot of kittens on your hands. Create a comfortable place for the cat to deliver her babies somewhere in your home. Make sure the spot is big enough for the kittens to move around as they grow.
Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.
Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. One way to deal with a kitten’s playful activity at night is just to shut your door. They should stay away from you at night and then they will not be able to jump on your feet.
Play with your cat. A lot of cat owners don’t do this. They are happy to let their cat entertain themselves. However, playing with your cat can help to mentally stimulate him and give him the physical activity he needs. Use small balls, paper bags and any number of small toys to get your cat moving.
Feed a kitten proper food. A developing kitten survives exclusively on their mother’s milk for the first four weeks, a commercial formula if the mother isn’t around. When moving to regular food, feed them specially formulated kitten food until they reach maturity at the age of one. Kittens need plenty of protein while they are developing.
If you suspect your cat has sprayed in your home but can not find the area, there is hope. Purchasing an inexpensive black light can save you from having to rip up your carpets. Your cats urine will glow under the black light, showing you exactly where to clean.
Do not leave wet cat food in the bowl for longer than twenty minutes after your cat is done eating it. After you see your kitten is done for the time being, throw out the rest of the food and make sure to wash their bowl thoroughly with light soap and water.
Sometime a second cat will calm a single destructive cat. This seems counter-intuitive, asking for twice the destruction, but a second cat can give them both something to do. Introduce them slowly and expect some initial squabbles. After a while, though, the cats will usually get along and the destructive behavior will subside.
You need to carefully consider where you put the litter box for your cat. Although you may want to have the litter box hidden in a place where you won’t smell it, your cat’s needs should be before your wants. This litter box must stay in an easy-to-find spot for your cat. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. If your litter box is on a cold surface, place a rug or mater underneath it.
If you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, you’ll want to contact your vet. Using the bathroom outside of the litter box is linked to a number of cat health issues. If your cat is not using the litter, kidney or bladder problems and infections may be the problem. Talk to the vet when your cat goes to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.
If you have a female cat that is in the process of giving birth, make sure you provide her a spacious area. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. You should take your cat to the vet if deliveries lasts for more than five or six hours.
A cat that is clean and well groomed will be happy, healthy, and good looking. Remember, the cat can’t do all of the grooming work. It’s up to you to give it a little extra help. Use as many of the provided grooming techniques on your cat and see how good it looks.
