Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Cat Care - Tips on Bringing Home a Pet Cat

Cats can make wonderful pets if you like frisky animals around the house. In case you are preparing to get one, you ought to know the basics regarding cat care.
As soon as you bring your new cat home, you should give them their own room with food, water, and a comfortable sleeping area. This will help them start to get use to their new surroundings.
In the event that it has not yet recently been toilet trained, you will need to begin teaching it so your pet cat begins to learn where he or she should be going. When it comes to cat care, one of the more unpopular chores is making sure the litter box is always clean. This should be discussed and settled on before the pet cat comes home to avoid any misunderstandings.
Training the pet how to use the litter box can initially be accomplished by taking it to the box whenever nature calls. When you notice the cat is able to do it on their own, compliment and reward your pet so they understand that this is the right thing to do.
The size of the litter box is going to depend on the size of your cat. As your pet cat grows bigger, so should the litter box. The litter box should always be cleaned with soap and water. Never use chemicals to clean it.
Another aspect of cat care is if ever they do something wrong like climb up on the table or scratch the furniture, you should never scold them as they are very sensitive creatures. You may impose discipline without causing any injury by taking a water bottle that has a "mist" setting and mist their face with it whenever you catch them in the act of wrong doing.
Proper cat care should always start with your pet having food and water handy. Milk should only be given to a pet cat as a treat. Otherwise, water will do just fine. Use stainless steel or plastic bowls and to make sure you clean them often to avoid any bacterial growth. Any unfinished food has to be disposed of appropriately.
If you bring home a small kitten you should always start out feeding them a premium kitten chow especially formulated for kittens. This cat care will ensure that they get the nutrients that they need for growth. Aside from food, you may also give them dietary supplements. One example is Omega 3 fatty acids that are good for their nutrition.
For those that have got other pets in the home, you need to provide some time for the two pets to be acquainted with each other. If your other pet is a dog your going to have to make sure that he is on a leash or some other kind of restraint. If you have another pet cat then your going to have to slowly let them get adjusted to one another as to avoid a nasty fight.
House principles when it comes to cat care should be set as to what the cat can and cannot do in the home. For example, you can decide whether or not the cat may be allowed out of the house even if the professionals have said that they must always be confined in the house. There tend to be additional issues when caring for a new cat which you have to discuss among yourselves as a family.
You should also supply a scratching station so it can play around without causing any harm to your furnishings. Such items can be either a scratching post or a scratching pad. If their nails get to long then you can buy a set of nail clippers from a pet grooming supply store to trim them. When you take them to a vet for their shots the vet will usually trim their nails for you.
One of the most significant things about cat care is proper grooming. You may bathe the cat by wetting their head, tail, and body with shampoo. You should be careful as to not get the shampoo in their eyes or their ears. After the bath you apply a detangling spray found in pet grooming supply stores and gently comb their fur.
Finally, bring your cat to the veterinarian on a regular basis. Also, any time you see something new in their behavior that don't quite look right as quick thinking might prevent a possible sickness from getting worse. If you don't have a regular veterinarian, ask around your local neighborhood for a reference.
Cat care can have its rewards, but it could also be a challenge. You just simply have to put in the time and effort when you decide to bring a pet into your home.

Cat Houses For Indoor and Outdoor Pets

No longer do only dog owners get the joy of picking out a beautiful outdoor home for their pets. Cat owners now have many options to choose from as well. Whether your cat spends all of its time outdoors or just goes out to play, it will need some type of shelter for rest. If you are looking for a cat house, you can choose from single story houses to multi-level condo systems.
When choosing a basic model for just one cat, try to find a cat house that offers comfort as well as low maintenance solutions. One new option on the market features cedar construction, which is easily washable, but also helps keep the fleas away with its natural oils. Some of these designs even come with sunning balconies or two story units to provide multiple ones for your pets. If your cat will be outside in all types of weather, you may choose a platform style selection. These ones are raised off of the ground a few feet to keep your pet off the cold ground and in dryer conditions.
If you are looking for a cat house that offers fun and relaxation, you may want to check out the new Kitty Castles or Palace trees. These new styles offer over 6 feet in height for you kitty to climb and play through. These structures are generally made of wood, carpet, or a basket weave solution. These products are usually 2 feet by 2 feet in dimensions, so you can fit them in just about any space. With this design, your pet will not only have a place to sleep, but a fun climbing option as well. These products generally have one to three enclosures, with many different perching shelves and poles to climb.
The main thing to think about is what conditions your new cat house will be used in, and what types are most comfortable. You also need to consider durability in outside elements. Make sure your new cat house can remain standing through rain, snow or even extreme heat. Many are insulated for winter but offer venting solutions for those hot summer days. Buying one can be a big step in pet ownership. Just make sure what you buy will be there for years to come.
Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on pets. Whether it is dog supplies for your family companion, or even cat furniture for your cat, there are many tips you can use to help you make your home a better place for your pet. Click today and indulge your pet's senses.