Cat Care Tips from an Expert Pet Owner

Cats can be very lovable, independent, territorial and particular at times. The slightest change in routine or environment can upset a cat's sense of balance and lead to behavior that is quite distressing to us humans. Cat fights, litter box issues, spraying, scratching, destroying furniture, jumping in forbidden areas are all problems that can be resolved . Here are some various solutions you can try with your feline friend. Having had cats for years, these cat care suggestions are from a combination of personal experience, advice from veterinarians, other cat owners, time spent reading and searching for solutions to perplexing and frustrating cat issues as they arose.

Litter box issues: Litter boxes need to be in a calm location, and located in an area away from a cat's food.
Cats are very clean animals and can get upset if their litter box seems unappealing. Many cats will refuse to use a litter box that is not clean. The litter box should be scooped out at least once a day. Some cats prefer a certain type of litter. If changing types of litter, gradually add it to the previous litter to help the cat adjust to it. If there are multiple cats, there should be one litter box per cat. An inexpensive option is to use buy a plastic cement mixing tub. They can be found at home improvement stores, great for a multiple cat holdhold. They are long and have deep sides, which keep the litter from spilling out. They will easily accommode 2-5 cats depending on the size of the cat. If your cat is going outside the litter box, the problem may be have a medical cause rather than behavioral. Have your cat checked by a veterinarian for possible medical causes, such as a urinary tract infection, etc. To help keep the litter box smell down, try baking soda, or a product such as Nature's Miracle Litter powder. There are also automatic aroma dispensers that can be purchased and set to spray at various times. You can find these products at www.petedge.com and www.drsfosters.com .

Scratching furniture: Declawing will obviously prevent this destructive behavior. While the operation is expensive, it will pay for itself in no time with the furniture and woodwork that is saved. Declawing may also keep the cat from being homeless, as many cat owners get rid of cats due to this behavior. For people who do not believe in declawing, there are ways to keep a cat from scratching furniture. Teach the cat a young age where to scratch. Purchase a scratching post and take the cat to the scratching post any time it starts to scratch in a forbidden area. Spray the cat post with a cat nip spray to help attract it to the post. Cats dislike citrus smell, spraying forbidden areas with a citrus smell to discourage scratching. Covering an area with wide tape may also be a deterrent.

Fighting and jumping: Cats are very territorial. There are many reasons cats fight. Make sure each cat you own is neutered or spayed. This will reduce a cat's risk factors for many health problems, as well as calm a cat down. A male that has been neutered is less likely to stray. Introduce new cats into the household slowly, separating the new cat in a separate room or cage for a few days to allow the other cat to gradually get used to its presence. Height gives cats a sense of safety; they are able to get a clear view of any possible enemies lurking below. Provide vertical cat furniture for your cat. A cat tree or any cat furniture with a little height will help satisfy a cat's need for exercise and jumping.

Spraying cats: Neutering a male cat will greatly decrease the chances of spraying. Both males and female cats can spray. Cats also spray when distressed and/or as a means of marking their territory. To discourage a cat from spraying, clean the sprayed area thoroughly to remove the smell. Once dry, spray with vinegar or a citrus spray. Feliway is a an excellent product used to calm a cat down in stressful situations and to prevent spraying. It is sold in spray cans or an automatic dispenser that can spray intermittently throughout the day. New on the market is a 30 day collar to calm a cat down. Feliway can be found in many pet stores, including www.petedge.com, www.drsfostersmith.com , www.petco.com, and www.petsmart.com

Fleas and worms: Both are health hazards that weaken your cat's immunity. Keep your cat on a 24 hour flea protection, such as Frontline Plus. One application will last 30 days and protects a cat 24 hours a day. It kills all fleas, as well as any flea eggs. It is water proof and will not wash off in wet weather. For worm protection, keep your cat on a once a month worm preventative, such as Interceptor.

Taking a few steps to prevent unwanted cat behavior can help keep your healthy and make the experience of being a cat owner even more enjoyable.