Cat Care Tips

[cluckmecoop7]

I'm a new cat owner. Does anyone have any tips or "hacks" to make taking care of your cat(s) more easy?
Also, what do you guys think about pine pellets for the little box?

Thanks!

 

[cassie]

I have never used pine pellets. I have read mixed reviews on them. Some cats will use them and some cats won't. My sister uses some litter made from corn. I read about someone who found that bugs were growing in it so I nixed that idea. I use a Tidy Cats clumping litter and it works well. Make sure the litter box is in a private place where the cat won't be bothered by dogs or children. It also needs to be well away from where the cat eats. If you have trouble with a dog snacking in the litter box you can get a top entry litter box. It has a lid with a hole for the cat to hop in and out of and the dogs can't get to the litter. You also need a good scratching post. Those covered with sisal are best.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Also, what do you guys think about pine pellets for the little box?

Do you mean like the kind used for a pellet stove?

I used them for my mini pig litter box when they stayed indoors.. they only used it for potty and worked well. I didn't like them in my chick brooders. Bought them to try for my guinea pigs but haven't been brave enough because change is hard for ME.

Haven't tried pellets with my kitties yet.. I also prefer clumping litter, TALL sides.. I use the bottom of a plastic dog house (the prior mini pig litter box) for my two boys and got an extra large scooper to reduce time spent.

I would love to see YOU pull together an article for BYC and compare the litter types maybe even include which are best for which animal type, etc!

 

[Dusty Chicken]

I highly recommend a scratching tower/post. This has given our kitty a place all her own to maul, climb and attack. The single best investment I have ever made.

In addition to her tower my husband built her a climbing wall. It is tucked behind a door so it becomes invisible when the door is open. She LOVES it!!!

 

[black_cat]

I don't use pine pellets- my cat likes EverClean litter. We don't have him declawed, and instead he's trained to scratch on cardboard cat scratchers. I don't really have any hacks, to be honest. If you shake a bag of Temptations treats he'll come running from anywhere, so I guess that might count for something? We let him go where he wishes, and he likes to sleep on my bed. In fact, he has decided that the best spot on the bed is MY spot, not the spot that belongs to him. I'm squished.

 

[Cupcake1243]

Tips you say? Hmm... make sure they eat and drink alot (not to much!) and check them over EVERY night for any lumps/bumps/cuts! What breeds do you have?

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Pine pellets are great as long as your cat doesnt have allergies. I would use them myself but my cat has a deviated septum. Some tips:
Do not use pine pellets if you cant be diligent with cleaning the box. Change used litter once a month and clean daily.

Do not use a closed top box if you can help it. Cats hate them because its like using a porter potty

Play with your cat often. Cats like to play then eat then sleep.

They hate it, but bathe them often. You wanna prevent skin issues like dandruff and knots in their fur. Bathing them will also make hairballs less likely

Finally and most importantly love them. Cats that love their owners love to sit by them, on their things and on them. My cat has been with me for 13 years and she is almost always by my side

 

[deidreg]

Cats are pretty easy to care for as long as they have food, water, clean litter, and lots of play time. One thing I learned after a few years is that cats don't like their water and food next to each other. I keep a roll of masking tape handy to pick fur off the bed, sofa, etc.

Also, being a bird lover, my cats are indoor only.

Look up Jackson Galaxy on YouTube. He has lots of good videos on cat care and behaviors. He's big on play for cats.

Post a photo!

 

[Peaches Lee]

Cats are pretty low maintenance pets. You'll want flea/tick prevention and your basic core vaccines. Find a local veterinarian to perform annual exams and get a baseline on your cat's health. Becoming an established client with a veterinary clinic/hospital is very important to your cat's health and well being. You don't want to be scrambling to find a vet when you have an emergency!

It is suggested to have one more litter box than number of cat(s) in your household. I've used pine pellets in the past. They worked just fine. I think litter choice really comes down to you and your cat's preference. I personally do not like scented, clumping litter--but that's just me--you could find it perfect for your needs.

I highly recommend a water fountain. It's not a necessity, but most cats love it! Buy the best food you can afford, I would suggest staying away from foods with added colors (dyes) because this can lead to tummy upset which can then lead to accidents.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Cats are pretty low maintenance pets. You'll want flea/tick prevention and your basic core vaccines. Find a local veterinarian to perform annual exams and get a baseline on your cat's health. Becoming an established client with a veterinary clinic/hospital is very important to your cat's health and well being. You don't want to be scrambling to find a vet when you have an emergency!

It is suggested to have one more litter box than number of cat(s) in your household. I've used pine pellets in the past. They worked just fine. I think litter choice really comes down to you and your cat's preference. I personally do not like scented, clumping litter--but that's just me--you could find it perfect for your needs.

I highly recommend a water fountain. It's not a necessity, but most cats love it! Buy the best food you can afford, I would suggest staying away from foods with added colors (dyes) because this can lead to tummy upset which can then lead to accidents.

I forgot to mention a water fountain. Cats like flowing water and are prone to renal issues later in life so encouraging them to drink more is essential