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Cats are the perfect companions for us humans. Who wouldn’t want a serial cuddler that doesn’t judge you (not too obviously, at least), an endless source of amusement, and a great listener all in one? But some things about our feline friends don’t always make life easy. From the constant shedding to the litter box odors, it can be challenging to keep up with the needs of our furry confidants.
While cats are perfectly capable of taking care of themselves for most of their daily needs, it’s not like they can avoid shedding, keep their litter box clean, or ignore their nature and not scratch the furniture just to please us. Especially if we don’t provide them with a scratcher to do it! As responsible cat owners, we need to learn how to help our kitties through any issues they may have.
If you’re thinking about bringing a new furry friend into your home and could use a little help to take care of a cat, we’re here to give you a paw! We’ve investigated and rounded up tons of cat hacks and tips to learn how to tend to your cat’s every need like a pro, so you can make sure they’re happy in their forever home!
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#1
Get them neutered. To ensure all cats have a safe and happy home, one of cats protection’s key aims is to champion neutering as a way to keep the cat population under control.
Weed in the Garden 2 years ago
One pregnant female can start a feral colony in less than nine months! Please trap, neuter, and return if necessary, but it is not kind to just feed strays. Help them!
Catte West 2 years ago
In the past three years I have relocated over thirty stray cats from my neighborhood. I have adopted all I can. Across the street neighbor won't feed cat who had kittens at her house. They still live there but eat at my house. Please, people, be responsible!!
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Laura Gillette 2 years ago
I said this on twitter once and an avalanche of people started calling me American-centric and saying I should stop pushing my American beliefs on the rest of the world. Like feral cat populations aren't a problem in other countries or something??
Okatango 2 years ago (edited)
Some deal with it well, such as imprisonment for animal neglect, but others not. I spent a week in Tahiti and the most lasting impression I have is of coming across a strangled pregnant dog. Stand your ground, spread the word.
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Chris berkley 2 years ago
Not only that but if they are inside cats it limits their want to escape I think, mine was always bolting for the door, we got him neutered and now he doesnt want too
3 Owls In A Coat 2 years ago
Same! My 2 boys have stopped rushing the door now that they’re neutered.
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Royal Stray 2 years ago
Just to add to this, do neuter your house cats (unless you plan for the cat to get kittens obviously), just make sure your cat is old enough to get neutered first.
Okatango 2 years ago (edited)
There are already too many kittens. I used to volunteer at a shelter, and in spring people were lined up around the block with boxes of kittens. So many had to be killed because there were no homes or even people who could foster. People claiming the wanted teach their kids about the "miracle of birth'. Yeah, let me show you the obscenity of having to watch baby animals gasp and struggle for as long as the gas took to kill them. Later it was by injection in the belly. Or the best yet: The owners dumped them in nearby forests to be torn to pieces by coyotes. Every designer, bred on demand kitten takes the life of another cat that could perhaps have been adopted.
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Ritchat 2 years ago
This is especially important for female cats, not just because the cat could get pregnant. Being in heat is pure torture for the cat. In addition, the risk of getting uterine cancer increases many times over the more often the cat is in heat. Cats can already be neutered when 3 months old (it's not a common practice yet, unfortunately) before ever being in heat. And as cute as kittens are, the world doesn't need more of them. Also, be prepared to hand-feed them every 2 hours for weeks and defecate them daily if there are complications and the mother dies or refuses to take care of her kittens. Prepare yourself to spend thousands of dollars/euros on medical expenses for the kittens or in case a kitten is stuck in the birth kanal and the mother needs to have a c-section. Seriously... if you love your cat, please spare it the torture and just get it neutered.
lazy_panda_jory 2 years ago
When we adopted our cats (one male and one female) our female cat was too young to be sterilized yet (the male kitty was neutered). She went in heat twice and it was horrible for her. We got her sterilized as soon as we could, and recommend anyone to do the same.
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Charlotte Sandoval 2 years ago
Important but I wouldn't call it a hack, just responsible pet ownership
Catte West 2 years ago
Please, please, PLEASE!!! Find a way, ask for donations, beg the vet. Just do it!!
over it already 2 years ago
Can confirm...as the proud new owner of 2 five week old kittens abandoned by their stray mama in my yard. She's still around taking care of the other 3, not sure why she didn't want these 2 but they're adorable and thriving. And no, she wasn't trying to come back for them. We tried to reunite them and she moved the others and left these behind for hours again. We have a neighbor who feeds the strays and the population keeps growing...Ember & Acorn will absolutely be spayed as soon as they are old enough.
RELATED:
#2
If your cat lets you touch its paws, it means that they love and trust you.
#3
To end a game of chase with the laser, give your cat a treat to give them a sense of accomplishment and a job well done.
Bored Retsuko 2 years ago
Yes, the laser thing can be frustrating for cats because they never get to catch their prey, and there's no accomplishment! Physical toys are better imho.
#4
If you don't let your cat outside, it'll avoid any number of random dangers the world can throw at it.
Cindy Jordan 2 years ago
Cats won't be the reason birds and other animals go extinct look in the mirror
#5
When you move to a new place, unpack the litter box first. Then "unpack" the kitty and put her next to the litter box so he/she knows where it is... Cats use the litter box as a "home base" and start exploring from there.
Valerie G. 2 years ago
and be sure to lock them in the bathroom before all the boxes come into the house, so they don't go darting out the door.
#6
Talk to your cat. It helps to build a rapport, and he/she will respond to more tones of your voice.
Robin Canfield 2 years ago
I talk to my cats all the time..you don't to need to be mushy gushy..but if they trust your voice especially if you have to move to a new apartment or go to the vet...it really does help
#7
Hang an inexpensive bird feeder outside a window and be sure you have a chair or table near the window so they can sit and watch the birds. It will entertain them every day!
Navindu Wijewardena 2 years ago
Our cat sits on my piano and looks out through the window at the tree right in front of it
#8
Teaching your cat to come when called is not only handy but could save his life. If he escapes outside, you can call him back home.
#9
It is recommended that you play with your cat for 15 to 20 minutes before bedtime so that they can let out all their excess energy. This pre-bedtime play session will make the cat calmer and help them sleep better through the night.
Valerie G. 2 years ago
and if they only get wet food once a day, give it to them at supper time, that way they won't be waking you at 4am for food.
#10
Got feral cats in the backyard? Keep ‘em warm this winter. Provide some food and shelter for feral or stray cats.
Russ Whiteman 2 years ago
Yep, we set up a couple of cat houses in the backyard a few years ago, during a particularly vicious cold snap. We'd already been providing a bit of food for the ferals, and we could deal with the chances of finding a little frozen body. The only downside is that we don't get to watch birds at our feeders anymore, but the regular visits from the kittens more than makes up for it.
#11
If you find that your cat has a propensity to sit on your book or keyboard or in front of your monitor as you attempt to use it, place an open box on your desk big enough for your cat. If there’s one thing cats love more than sitting on keyboards, it’s sitting in boxes.
#12
Touch it’s ears, paws, and belly frequently to get it acclimated to those areas being handled.
#13
It’s a good idea to get two cats, especially if you’re out of the house during the day. Not only will your cat be less lonely, but they’re also less likely to get destructive if they have someone to play with during the day.
Frankthetank 2 years ago
Yeah, definitely not a guarantee they will get along. I had litter-mate brother/ sister pair and they HATED each other- full on cat fights with abscesses. The key is to pair based on personality
#14
When petting a cat, watch the tail. A tip flip is annoyance, a tail thump means get away, and a twitch from the base means you're about two seconds from getting bit. Stop as soon as you see any of these, and your cat will respect you more and tolerate more petting in the future.
Joyce mann 2 years ago
My cat swishes her tail, when she wants me to play "throw" that is throw a treat and she will chase it
#15
Store-bought toys look fun to us humans, but most cats are perfectly happy to swat around things like bottle caps, pipe cleaners, and old playing cards.
Russ Whiteman 2 years ago
Plastic rings from milk jugs have been the most popular among my cats for something a bit over 50 years now. I dread moving the refrigerator when we leave...
#16
Give your cat running water. Some cats like flowing water and the filter helps keep the water fresh.
#17
Every pet owner should consider pet insurance. Even if you believe you have enough money to cover veterinary costs, pet insurance could still save you thousands of dollars if your pet gets sick or injured.
#18
If you’re bringing a cat into a home with other pets or another pet into a home that already has a cat, don’t just put them together and hope everything works out. Cats tend to be very territorial, and they also need time to adjust to a new environment.
Frankthetank 2 years ago
Jackson Galaxy has great tips for how to introduce cats and it really works. He's pretty dorky but his methods are very reliable.
#19
From an early age, touch your cat's feet and toes often. If they get used to having their toes handled, it is much easier to cut their nails later.
Jordi Sharpe 2 years ago
Trim. They're not removing the claws, theyre trimming them. Cats can get their claws stuck in fabric if they're too long, and can injure themselves. They still have claws. They're just trimmed down. They can sharpen them again immediately.
#20
A great way to keep your indoor cat active, particularly if you live in a smaller home, is to put up some shelves or towers for them to climb.
#21
It’s time to stop spraying cats with water! Your cat starts to associate the unpleasant experience with you, and not necessarily his actions with the punishment.
Michelle Muirhead 2 years ago
Initially I would spray with water (because they were jumping on the kitchen counter and terrified they might jump on the stove). I would make scoosh noise at the same time as spraying, didn't take long to just make the scoosh noise to prevent jumping.
#22
Place pinecones in potted plants, because they're uncomfortable for your cat to step on and will keep them out.
#23
Keeping your cat at home is the safest and least unsettling option when you go on holiday as they’re less likely to be stressed and will be more content in their own environment.
Royal Stray 2 years ago
This really varies from cat to cat and is absolutely not a general rule
#24
Leaving treats hidden around the house when leave. It means that cat looks forward to leaving instead of being anxious because he gets to go on a treasure hunt.
#25
Avoid letting the cat play with your hands. Letting your cat play wrestle with your hands teaches them that biting and scratching is an acceptable behavior.
#26
Store dry cat food in a plastic pitcher or cereal container. Leaving your cat’s food in the opened bag runs the risk of letting it get stale.
#27
If your cat goes crazy for catnip, consider growing your own. Catnip is relatively easy to grow in pots, and it’ll give you an endless supply of fun. Make sure to keep the pots out of kitty’s reach until you’re ready.
Valerie G. 2 years ago
I once planted catnip in a neighbour's garden that was a particular pain. He came out to find a lot of his plants flattened.
#28
Providing a cat-friendly climbing alternative not only protects your collectibles, but it affords items which may be destined for the landfill, a new purpose in life.
#29
You can build your own cat tent with some basic items that you'll already have at home. Using wire coat hangers make a frame like a tent, with two hangers crossing each other over the top and place an old t-shirt over the frame.
#30
Safeguard your sofa. Setting up decoy scratching posts, you can give cats a place to mark, stretch, and trim their nails, without damaging your belongings.
What do you think ?
madbakes 2 years ago
Not even finishing this thread, as so far they are all quite obvious to cat owners. To people are are considering getting a cat: do not declaw them. You're essentially cutting off the top knuckles, and they will have arthritis later in life.
Okatango 2 years ago
Thank you for this. It is so painful for them, they cannot jump, they cannot even use regular litter and if the need ever arises, are utterly defenseless. many countries have made it illegal.
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Craig Silberman 2 years ago
not a single hack in the list; just a bunch of tips; I know English isn't the first language of the author, but c'mon, where did you get the idea that "tip" and "hack" are synonyms?
Craig Silberman 2 years ago
most of the tips are incredibly obvious too; I've got a cat and am scrolling through this list hoping to find something I didn't already know
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Bouche Clay 2 years ago
Yes, this I know. Bouche has toys she loves all over the house. This does not stop her from stealing my stylus every single day. She's not the one with fat fingers.
Ritchat 2 years ago
I'd really like to add something to the list: Feed high-quality quality cat food without sugar or grain, with a high meat content (70%+) and use dried cat food only as a snack/reward. 70% of all cats will get chronic renal failure when they're old because of a poor diet. My cat died last year because of it.
madbakes 2 years ago
Not even finishing this thread, as so far they are all quite obvious to cat owners. To people are are considering getting a cat: do not declaw them. You're essentially cutting off the top knuckles, and they will have arthritis later in life.
Okatango 2 years ago
Thank you for this. It is so painful for them, they cannot jump, they cannot even use regular litter and if the need ever arises, are utterly defenseless. many countries have made it illegal.
Load More Replies... Craig Silberman 2 years ago
not a single hack in the list; just a bunch of tips; I know English isn't the first language of the author, but c'mon, where did you get the idea that "tip" and "hack" are synonyms?
Craig Silberman 2 years ago
most of the tips are incredibly obvious too; I've got a cat and am scrolling through this list hoping to find something I didn't already know
Load More Replies... Bouche Clay 2 years ago
Yes, this I know. Bouche has toys she loves all over the house. This does not stop her from stealing my stylus every single day. She's not the one with fat fingers.
Ritchat 2 years ago
I'd really like to add something to the list: Feed high-quality quality cat food without sugar or grain, with a high meat content (70%+) and use dried cat food only as a snack/reward. 70% of all cats will get chronic renal failure when they're old because of a poor diet. My cat died last year because of it.
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