Essential Hacks For All Cat Owners
Owning any pet is challenging, but it seems like many people see cats as “easy” pets, which is not the case. Cats require a lot of care, attention, and activity to keep them happy. Just like any other family member, having a cat in the house means putting in the effort to care for them. Cats may do their own thing and not be as obedient as dogs, but they still can be trained to do certain things and avoid certain behaviors. It’s not easy adopting a cat, but if you know what you’re doing, it won’t need to be too difficult. Here are some hacks for those looking to adopt or own a cat and are looking to make things a little easier for everyone.
Give Them a Short, Two-Syllable Name
It can be fun naming your cat something outrageous like Princess Flyffypants III, but you’ll also need a short nickname to actually use when calling your cat. Cats tend to respond only to shorter names, so stick to two syllables or less. The best cat names end in an “ee” sound, like Fluffy or Riley.
Invest in a Scratching Post
To save your furniture from your cat’s sharp claws, make sure to get a solid scratching post for them to use. Cats use scratching as a way to keep their claws shorter, and a scratching post is the best place to redirect them when they start scratching anything you don’t want them to.
Use Green Tea or Baking Soda to Reduce Bad Odors
Litter boxes can really stink up a room, especially when you have more than one cat. If the litter you’re using isn’t doing the job, think about adding a little bit of baking soda to the bottom of the litter pan or some dried green tea leaves. These things will help reduce the smell.
Reward Them After Playing with a Laser Pointer
We all know how popular laser pointers are when it comes to cat toys. However, cats are natural hunters and can get frustrated and filled with pent-up energy when playing a game in which they can’t catch their prey. When you’re ending a game of chase with a laser, give your cat a treat to give them a sense of accomplishment.
Allow Them Some Climbing Space
Most cats need to stay active, which can be a challenge if you live in an apartment. One great way to keep an indoor cat active is by putting up some shelves or towers for them to climb. Additionally, cats appreciate having the higher ground, especially when they’re the territorial type.
Put a Box on Your Desk
Many cat owners attest to their cats interrupting their work throughout the day by sitting on their keyboard, book, or in front of their monitor. If you find yourself in this situation, place an open box on your desk that’s big enough for your cat. It’s known that cats love nothing more than sitting inside a box.
Get Rid of Cat Hair With Duct Tape
There are times when grooming isn’t enough, and you still find cat hair all over your things. To remove the cat hair from things like furniture or clothing, place duct tape over it. When you take it off, the cat hair will come off with it.
