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9 tips for toilet training a cat

9 tips for toilet training a cat

Getting a cat toilet trained may seem like a time-consuming activity, but it is a must to keep the floors and other surfaces clean. The activity requires patience and the right tactics, but once cats get used to their litter boxes, life becomes much easier for their owners. However, as cats can be quite finicky when it comes to hygiene, one can use the following tips to toilet-train them with ease:

1. Choose a box of the right size
Cats need to be comfortable in their litter boxes, or they may reject them altogether. So, while buying a litter box, cat owners should measure the cats’ height and buy a box that is at least one and a half times that.

2. Determine the preferable litter type
Cats are often particular about textures, so they may not like all types of litter. However, the only valid strategy here is trial and error. So, one should try filling up the litter box with one type of litter and see if the cat takes to it. If not, they should empty the box and refill it with some other litter until they figure out the type of litter the cat prefers.

3. Reward the cat for using the litter box
When cats know they will receive a treat for something they do, they are likely to repeat the action. So, giving them tasty treats or praising them every time they use the litter box is a great idea to toilet train them.

4. Avoid choosing noisy spots
Cats guard their spaces fiercely and avoid noisy environments. So, if a litter box is placed in a noisy room, they might never really get used to it. A quiet room without many sources of disturbance is the ideal location for litter boxes. Also, cats do not like to eat where they do their business, so one should keep litter boxes away from where they are fed.

5. Clean the litter box frequently
An unclean litter box is sure to repel a cat, so cat parents should clean the litter box frequently, preferably every day. Also, they should empty the litter box of all its contents and clean it thoroughly once a week. An effective hack for cleaning litter boxes is to soak them in a solution of hot water and unscented dish soap for a few minutes. Then, the box should be drained, washed, dried, and refilled with litter.

6. Place the cat in its litter box
This approach to toilet-training a cat may seem too simplistic, but it may work. So, one can move the cat into its litter box immediately after its meals, which is when they usually defecate. If the cat begins going outside its box, one should move it back into the box. This way, the cat can make the connection between peeing or pooping and using the litter box more quickly.

7. Avoid punishing the cat
Punishments can instill fear in cats, and they may rebel against using the litter box. When it comes to toilet training, one needs to be extremely patient with their cats and reward them for using the box instead of punishing them for not using it. Using the toilet is an acquired habit in general, so one should give it some time and effort.

8. Avoid changing the litter abruptly
As creatures of habit, cats may be put off if the litter changes all of a sudden. For this reason, it is important for cat parents to test the waters first. One way to do this is to fill another litter box with the new litter and place it right next to the old box. If the cat leaves the old box to explore the new one, this could mean it probably likes the new litter. If the cat does not like the new litter and does not explore it for a while, it is best not to continue with it.

9. Consult a vet if necessary
If a cat rejects its litter even after all these efforts, it is best to consult a vet because not adopting this habit can be unhygienic and messy for cat parents and a health concern for the cat. In such cases, vets can identify the possible reasons for the issue and help one find solutions.

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6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don't season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat's fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements. Remember to cook the vegetables before feeding them. Pumpkin, squashes, zucchini, lettuce, green beans, broccoli, carrots, and peas are safe vegetables for your cat. Ideally, you can boil or steam them and serve them without adding seasoning. Avoid sharing portions of raw or uncooked salads from your plate. Meat Most cat food contains some protein as meat is crucial for their eyes, heart, and reproductive system. If you want to feed them meat you cook for yourself or your family, ensure it is cooked well. Avoid seasoned meat, or don't feed them pieces of meat from gravies or curries. Instead of seasoning, you can add spices like basil, cilantro, dill, rosemary, or thyme, which are safe for cats. Small portions of cooked beef, chicken, duck, and turkey are safe meat for cats. Lamb and pork may be fattening, and you can give small portions after trimming the fat. Avoid giving too much organ meat like liver and kidney. Fish Cats are prone to allergies and dry skin. Vets generally recommend omega-3-rich fish oils that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Fish can also help older cats that are prone to arthritis. Feeding your cats omega-3-rich fish can help them get a continuous supply of anti-inflammatory foods. The ideal fish you can feed your cats include tuna, herring, crab, and salmon. Avoid seasoning and also remove the bones. If your cat is used to canned or commercial food, they could choke on fish bones. Oatmeal Oats are a staple ingredient of many commercial cat food brands, and you can feed them to your cat occasionally. Presoak oats overnight, cook them well and mix them with water instead of milk. Don't add sugar or any topping that you may have with your oatmeal. You can also add a small portion of oatmeal to their regular food. If your cat has a previous history of gastrointestinal issues, avoid oatmeal as it can interfere with their digestion. Fruits As a pet parent, you may know that cats cannot distinguish sweet as a taste. You can give them fruits in moderation as treats or as a part of their meal. Sliced bananas, the flesh of watermelon without the rind or seeds, small amounts of strawberries, berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, small portions of apple, small slices of mangoes, cantaloupes, and pineapples without the rind or skin are all safe for cats. Always chop the fruit into bite-size pieces to prevent choking. Fruits are ideal as treats and not as a whole meal. Apart from human foods, here are some of the best cat-food brands that you can consider: Royal Canin Royal Canin offers a range of commercial wet and dry cat food and therapeutic food for specific health conditions. This brand also offers tailored nutrition, providing the exact requirement of vitamins, prebiotics, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that your cats require. Tailored nutrition is a unique concept that considers your cat's unique health needs, breed, and lifestyle, which is available for purebred cats and kittens. The brand also has age-specific food for kittens, adult, mature and senior cats. IAMS™ IAMS offers cat parents the choice of tailored nutrition for their cats based on their age, lifestyle, breed, and individual health issues. You can log in to the IAMS website and answer basic questions about your cat, and experts recommend the best product based on your cat's individual and unique needs. This brand is offering to cover the cost of your next vet appointment if you buy two bags of IAMS dry food. GREENIES™ Greenies offer Dental Treats, Pill Pockets, and Smartbites for cats in different flavors. Dental treats are available in chicken, tuna, shrimp, and salmon flavors. Pill pockets are easy to use and available in salmon and chicken flavors. You can roll your cat's capsule in the pill pocket, hide it, and feed it to your cat without any fuss and strain for them. Smart bites are treats for your cat and are available in salmon, chicken, and tuna flavors.

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7 mistakes to avoid when purchasing pet insurance

Not long ago, pet owners sometimes had to make heartbreaking decisions when their pets were diagnosed with chronic conditions because of the high treatment costs that had to be paid out of pocket. Today, with pet insurance, people can get medical treatment and enjoy more time with their pets. But, with several insurers and plans to choose from, it is easy to make misjudgments. Here are seven mistakes pet owners make when purchasing pet insurance. Buying pet insurance too late Although pet owners are happy to meet their pets' needs in all other aspects of life, insurance is often ignored until their pet has developed a serious illness or has met with an accident. This is a mistake for two reasons: Just like medical insurance for humans, pet insurance only gets more expensive as they age. This could result in higher premiums, more exclusions, and increased out-of-pocket costs. Moreover, insurance providers may not offer coverage for pets with pre-existing conditions, which could lead to disqualification from the policy or minimal coverage. To avoid these issues, always purchase pet insurance while the pets are still young and healthy. Not seeking a veterinarian's opinion Another frequent mistake pet owners make is thinking that pet insurance is an individual decision. As a result, they don't consider taking their veterinarian's input or advice while choosing a policy. By doing so, they may end up with a policy that over or under-covers their pet and costs a lot of money. So, before signing up for pet insurance, speak to the pet's primary care physician. They can help tailor the insurance plan to provide the best possible current and future coverage for the pet. Considering insurance as a savings plan Some pet owners also make the mistake of thinking that a pet insurance policy works like a savings plan. They only buy an insurance plan based on the cost of premiums and the chances of making a claim in the future. However, pet owners should consider a pet insurance policy as a risk management strategy instead of a savings plan. In case something happens to one's pet, insurance works as a safety net to effectively manage costs without breaking the bank. Not asking enough questions One should not buy pet insurance without reading the fine print or asking relevant questions to the policy provider. This could lead to a host of disappointments and a loss of money, as the policy may not cover the pet's requirements. Before signing up for any insurance plan, speak to the agent and ask them questions pertinent to the pet's overall health. Take some time to understand the inclusions and know the exact coverage to avoid any confusion or complications in the future. Getting the wrong type of insurance Insurance providers offer different types of plans for pets. While the intricacies may vary, they majorly involve the following: Comprehensive coverage: Also known as accident and illness coverage, this provides the maximum coverage for one's pets. It generally involves accidents, chronic conditions (like cancer and arthritis), common illnesses, behavioral problems, dental care, diagnostic testing, and prescriptions. Accident-only coverage: As the name suggests, this only provides coverage for accidents, such as swallowing a foreign object or something toxic, laceration, heat strokes, breaking a bone, bee stings, getting hit by a vehicle, etc. It does not cover any illnesses or chronic/inherited conditions. Wellness coverage: This is generally sold as an add-on package along with the other two insurance plans. It covers the cost of routine care, such as wellness exams, microchipping, parasite prevention, dental cleanings, deworming, fecal tests, urinalysis, and so on. One must understand the pet's needs and consult a veterinarian to make an informed decision regarding the kind of pet insurance required. Overlooking coverage exclusions Exclusions may differ from policy to policy, depending on the pet's age and health. Exclusions such as pre-existing conditions, hereditary conditions, behavioral issues, elective procedures, and preventive care are common. Pet owners should read the scheme-related documents carefully to avoid running into any surprises in the future. Selecting insurance based on the premium amount While staying within one's budget is important, the cost of premiums cannot be the only governing factor when choosing a pet insurance policy. Consider other factors such as coverage, waiting periods, policy limits, deductibles, reimbursements, and age limitations as well to ensure comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.

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