How To Teach Your Cat New Tricks

Owning a cat is a lot of fun. That said, they're not easy to care for. As the owner of a cat, you have many very important obligations to your pet. Thankfully, the following paragraphs will give you the knowledge you need. Keep reading!

Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it'll detach if it's pulled too hard. That'll keep kitty safe.

Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. Cats don't like dog products. Flea products are a prime example. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. If your dog has been treated for fleas, keep him away from your cat for at least three hours.

Pick a good spot for the cat's litter box. Don't put it close to your cat's food or in an area that gets too much traffic. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.

Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.

Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. Sometimes you might not have time to wait for an online order to arrive however, such as if your cat needs an immediate antibiotic or emergency treatment. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can often save up to 50 percent by shopping online.

If you're taking a trip with your cat, be sure to protect its ears. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.

Little kids shouldn't be left alone near cats. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.

Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. Cats come to harm outside every day. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it's in a safe place.

Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. Understand that cats don't react to punishment as well as dogs. Positive reinforcement is a better training tool for cats. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. This will teach your cat that the carrier is a good thing. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.

Owning a cat can be very beneficial. However, you must properly care for your cat in order for both of you to be happy. If the thought of having a cat has crossed your mind, use the given information.