If you own a cat, you know that they like to be amused. Whether it is because of something nice you have done, or at your expense… cats must have fun. There are many toys you can make for your feline friend that will help him (her) to have spontaneous moments of enjoyment.
Here are a few ideas for some homemade fun for your small pal. With all toys, whether store bought or homemade, supervise your cat to make sure that no parts come loose and become a hazard for him.
Catnip Sock Toy
One of the easiest toys, and the most delightful for your cat, is a catnip sock toy. Simply find an old sock that has no holes, and then push an empty toilet paper roll into the bottom of it. Fill the toilet paper roll with catnip, and then tie the empty leg of the sock into a knot. Your cat will love this simple yet creative idea.
Cardboard Playhouse
Many cats love crawling around in new spaces. Build a playhouse for your cat out of one or more cardboard boxes and cut windows out so your cat can see out of them. If you are using more than one box, you can cut a hole in between both boxes that is large enough to crawl from one compartment to the other. Jazz it up by painting the playhouse to suit your own home décor.
Knitted Catnip Cuddle Toys
Choose a color of yarn as well as a shape that you like, such as a heart, square or star. Knit two identical shapes, and sew them together. Leave a small opening that you can insert catnip in, and then sew the hole shut. Your cat will love playing with this delightful toy for hours.
Easter Egg Shaker
You can buy packs of several plastic Easter eggs from the store, even dollar stores, for an extremely affordable price. Take one of these Easter eggs, open it up and insert several beans. Close it up and watch your cat have fun moving this around. Make a few in different colors so your cat can choose one or two to play with any time he feels like it.
Sunny Toilet Paper Roll
All you need for this one is an old toilet paper roll and a pair of scissors. Simply hold the toilet paper roll and cut 1-inch strips every 1/4 inch or so in order to create several tabs. When they are finished, push back the tabs to create what looks like a beaming sun on each end. Your cat will love to bat this around.
Cats can get bored just like humans. Fun is essential for the life of a cat, and so is exercise. When a cat is having fun, they will generally move around a lot. By making some of these simple toys for your cat, you will put some play back into his life. Try any of these simple crafts and watch your feline friend come alive with joy.
Cat Training in your Home
Cats are playful creatures. If you’re going to get one, you have to know the fundamentals about house cat maintenance. As soon as the cat is taken into the property, you should give it his or her very own living space for the moment with food, water and a bed. If it has not yet been potty trained, you’ll want to start teaching it so there won’t be any stains on the rug.
Teaching the cat how to use the litter box can initially be practiced by transporting it to the box when nature calls. If you see the cat is able to do it, praise and reward your pet so they recognize that this is the proper thing to do. The precise size of the litter box depends on the size of the cat. This should be cleaned out naturally by means of soap and water not disinfectant. If ever they do something bad like go up up on the table or damage the furniture, you must never scold them as they’re very vulnerable animals.
You can enforce discipline without causing any injury by squirting water on their face. There ought to be water and food continually. The serving dish and bowl should be made either of plastic or aluminum and cleaned. Any unfinished food has to be removed properly. Their nutrition must come
from high quality cat food and even though this may be more expensive than the other brands, you are aware of that it has the right vitamins and minerals to keep them in good shape.
Aside from food, you may also give them health supplements. One example is Omega 3 fatty acids that are great for their nutrition. For those that have more pets at home, you should allow a little while for the two pets to be acquainted with one another. If you have a dog, be sure it is kept on its leash first. If you have another cat, prepare yourself to break off a fight since this normally takes place. House rules must be established with regards to what the cat can and can’t do in the home. For instance, you can determine whether or not the cat may be allowed outside of the house regardless if the experts have declared they must always be confined indoors.
There are other issues which you have to talk over among yourselves. You should also provide a scratching pad so it can play around without creating any destruction to your furnishings. This should be three feet in height and positioned either close to the furniture or their sleeping area. When their claws get too sharp, you should trim them so they don’t hurt you or themselves.
One of the most important things about cat maintenance is proper grooming. You can bathe the cat by wetting their head and tail with shampoo. Never lather their ears or eyes and dry them using a clean cloth. Comb the hair lightly and apply combing powder so it never gets tangled.
Finally, bring your cat to the vet regularly and when you see something new in their habits as quick thinking could stop a possible sickness from getting worse. If you don’t know any, get a recommendation from one of your neighbors. House cat care is difficult but gratifying. You simply have to put in the dedication when you decide to bring a pet into your home.
Cat Boarding Tips for Pet Owners
All cat owners are very passionate about their beloved feline. So when the owner goes away for a holiday it is always tough leaving your cat behind. They often face a difficult choice about whether to leave the cat at home and get neighbours to help feed it, change its water and generally make sure it’s okay, or whether to put their favourite pet in a cattery.
Cats need regular fresh food and water so you should only leave your cat at home for the duration of your trip if you have responsible and reliable neighbours. Australian law requires all cats to be kept indoors at night time so you would need to ensure that the neighbours will be able to call your cat in the evening and have access to inside the house.
If you’re going away for only a few days you could leave the cat inside the whole time (with neighbours coming in with the food/water) but any longer than this and the cat should really get some time in the fresh air.
The best option can usually be to take your furry pet to a cat boarding facility. This is much like a baby day-care centre but for cats, and for a longer period of time. Choosing a suitable cattery is the most important decision, as the cat will be in an unfamiliar place and you need to ensure it will be as comfortable and happy as possible while you’re away.
Things to consider when choosing a cat boarding centre include location, price, staff, food, air ventilation, and emergency care. The location of the cattery should ideally be close to your home. Most cats hate being taken in the car in their little box so the shorter the duration of the trip, the better. Price may also be an issue depending on your budget so make sure you find something suitable that is also well priced. Don’t forget to ask if there are any additional fees for services you may not be aware of.
The staff may well be the most important factor in choosing which cat boarding facility to use. Make sure you meet the staff before agreeing to book your pet in. Find out if they are cat owners themselves. Ask other information. If the staff seem to be impatient with your questons, chances are they don’t understand the importance of your pets to you. Ensure that they will be spending a decent amount of time playing with your cats and grooming them, and making them feel at home.
You should also find out what type of food will be available in the cattery. If your cat is on a special diet or won’t eat the food they offer, they should still be able to accommodate you. Also find out if they are aware that the character and attitude of the cat can influence the optimal amount of feeding they should receive. Some facilities also look after dogs, so ensure the air ventilation system is adequate. You don’t want the cats being able to smell dogs and becoming nervous and agitated.
Finally, ensure the facility has a veterinarian on hand for all emergencies. If your cat is sick or needs quick attention, there should be a vet available 24 hours a day to attend to your needs.
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