Cats can be a great source of entertainment and stress relief.Cats cuddling together on the couch is one of the sweetest things to do at home.There are special challenges to having multiple cats.It can be difficult to run a multiple-cat household, but it can definitely be worth it.
Step 1: You should give as many litter boxes as you have cats.
Provide four litter boxes if you have three cats.It may seem like a lot of work, but having multiple litter boxes prevents inappropriate elimination, which causes far more problems.Cats don't like sharing litter boxes.The litter boxes should be kept in separate rooms.Cats may claim a litter box as their own.A dominant cat can only guard one box, leaving the others for shyer cats if there is some distance between the boxes.
Step 2: Keep the litter boxes clean.
Cats are sensitive to litter boxes filled with waste.Cats waste is usually removed once per day.Scoopable litter can be used to remove feces and urine.Change the whole box at least once a week.Don't use strong smelling cleaners or soaps to clean litter boxes.It is advisable to use plain soap and water to avoid unpleasant smells for your cat.
Step 3: Keep the litter boxes clean.
There's something about the litter box that your cat can't stand, and so he urinates or defecates somewhere else.At all times, the litter boxes should be accessible.The main flow of traffic in the household should not lead them to be located in quiet places.There should be one to two inches of litter.Cats may like a particular type of litter.Many cats don't like boxes with hoods or boxes that are too small.They like to step in litter boxes.Pay attention to the preferences of your cats.
Step 4: Immediately clean any accidents.
Vomit, hairballs, and the occasional inappropriate urination or defecation are a part of life if you have multiple cats.Bad odors and bad habits can be prevented with an immediate clean-up.Cat urine can be cleaned with a specially designed cleaner.The spot where a cat can still smell his urine is an acceptable location for elimination.Baking soda can remove odors.Baking soda can be put in the area after you clean up vomit or feces.
Step 5: Control the amount of hair in the house.
There is more cat hair in circulation when there are many cats.It can cause allergies in your family and guests, and it also clings to clothing.It's a good idea to vacuum frequently.If your cats don't mind sleeping on a mat of their own hair, frequent vacuuming of floors, carpets, and upholstery is a good idea for you and your guests.You should brush your cats.The brushes are designed to reach the thicker undercoat.It is easy to cover furniture with throws.When guests arrive, these can be put in the washing machine.If you want to remove cat hair from your clothing before you leave, use a roller or lint removal product.
Step 6: Rule out physical causes of bad behavior.
If your cat develops a new behavior, it's a good idea to take her to the vet to rule out illness.If you pee outside the litter box, it's a sign of a urinary tract problem.If you don't know which cat is urinating outside of the box, ask your vet for fluorescein, a harmless dye that will cause the cat's urine to glow in ultra-violet light for 24 hours.If you give this product to just one cat, you can find and examine fresh urine in the problem areas.You will be able to identify the culprit eventually.
Step 7: Pheromone can be used to reduce tension.
These products are designed for cats.They help cats to feel calm and reduce aggression in multi-cat households.Problem spraying and problem scratching can be reduced by them.Pheromones can be distributed in a variety of ways.
Step 8: Make sure your cats have places to retreat.
It is important to have enough space for the number of cats that you have.If they can hide, they may feel more secure.You can take advantage of the space in your home.If you want to leave part of an upper shelf open, clear off a space on top of the cabinets.A cat that is shy might prefer their own room.They should have their own litter box, food, and water.
Step 9: Suppress aggression.
If a cat gets angry about something, she might misdirect that anger into aggression towards another cat.Direct your cat's focus away from other cats if he is upset.If you have a cat that doesn't like getting her medicine, plan to give it to her when she is the only cat in the room.
Step 10: Provide a lot of things to scratch.
Cats scratch a lot.It makes it easier for them to maintain their claws.If you want to discourage your cats from scratching furniture, you need to provide attractive alternatives.The scratching posts should be stable.Your cat should be able to scratch without damaging the post.A small post can be supported with weights of five or ten pounds.There is a variety of textures.Many cats like the feel of sisal rope, while others prefer plain wood.There is a new scratching surface and you can sprinkle some catnip on it.Don't use scents that cats dislike, such as mint or lemon.If you want to deter your cats, you can tape aluminum foil over a vulnerable piece of furniture.
Step 11: Good behavior can be encouraged by using rewards.
Cats are able to repeat good behavior if they are associated with rewards.Use treats to teach your cat how to behave, but be careful not to reward behavior you don't like.Give your cat a small treat when they use the scratching post.If you have to, spray water near them to discourage bad behavior.Don't aim directly at the cat, but next to them with spray bottles.This method can be used to break up a stand-off between cats.You can use spray bottles to deter cats from places you don't want them.
Step 12: New cats should be introduced slowly.
Don't dump a new cat into the mix.The introduction process can prevent problems from developing.The new cat should be kept in a separate room.Allow your cats to smell something new.Feed the cats on opposite sides of a door to build a sense of trust.Before proceeding with the full introduction, allow the cats to see one another through a screen door or stacked baby gates.
Step 13: Cats interact with people and other animals.
Don't leave a cat unattended with animals that are its natural prey, such as fish, birds or rodents.Make sure your cats are safe from people and animals.
Step 14: As much as possible, feed your cats separately.
Cats have different requirements in regards to how much they should eat and what kind of food they need to eat.Feed your cats in different rooms and then close the doors for twenty minutes to allow them to finish their meals.Fights between cats at meals can be prevented by separate feeding.Make sure there is water in your home.
Step 15: Offer a lot of exercise.
It can be hard for indoor cats to get enough exercise.While your cats might play with each other, you should make sure that you provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and fun.Give your cats toys so that they can play with them more often.If an older toy is lost in favor, put it in a cupboard for a while.Play with your cats.Throw balls or toy mice, or dangle strings for them to catch.
Step 16: You should get regular veterinary care for your cats.
Your cats will not spread disease if you get regular immunizations and check-ups.Feline infectious peritonitis can be spread via feces and saliva between cats.Feline leukemia can be spread through shared litter boxes and food dishes.There are few diseases that can be spread between humans and cats.Cat scratches and bites can become infections and should be carefully cleaned and monitored for any signs of infections such as redness, pain, and swelling.
Step 17: Cats can be neutered or euthanized.
Get every cat you have neutered or shorn.More kittens are born than good homes to take every year.Cats are more likely to mark territory with urine if they are neutered.Conflicts are reduced greatly by spaying and neutering.
Step 18: Keep plants and chemicals away from your cats.
If you bring a plant or cut flowers home, ask your vet if it is toxic to your cats.There is a closed cupboard with cleaner and chemicals in it.Plants that are toxic to cats include lilies, tulip bulbs, and amaryllis.Difficult breathing, vomiting, swallowing, drooling, and irregular heartbeat are signs of poisoning.