Crucial Tips All Cat Owners Need To Know

TIP! Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard.

Felines are mysterious and even magical animals. They’re smart, but also independent, which makes them a great pet. Caring for cats in proper ways, though, it not always that simple. You can educate yourself about helpful tips to care for your cat and keep him happy and healthy by reading this article.

Animal Shelter

TIP! Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes.

Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat’s life.

TIP! If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever.

Groom your cat. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If yu do this quite often, it will help them stay clean. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.

TIP! Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. If that doesn’t work, cover those cords up however you can.

You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. If you can, stick with one vet for your cat’s entire life. This also allows the vet to become more familiar with your cat’s unique health needs and personality.

TIP! A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower.

Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.

TIP! You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Cats need play and exercise.

Microchip your cat. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.

TIP! Cats will be up during the night more often than not. They are often active at nighttime.

Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.

TIP! Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side.

If you’re looking for good prices on cat medications, check online sources. The prices will usually be substantially better than at your vet. In an emergency, however, this might not be possible. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.

TIP! Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat.

Cats may make a small mess outside their litter box. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.

TIP! A battered appearance isn’t a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. It’s in this condition that cats tend to love it the most.

Be sure to carrier train your cat. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. They like responding to encouragement better. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.

TIP! Treat your cat to a good quality cat food. Check out the ingredients, and make sure it includes protein, such as meat, as the first item in the list.

Cats are magical and unique creatures that are perfect for homes if you take time to learn how to care for them properly. Carefully study the information in this article. Take what you have learned, and use it to create a home that gives your cat a happy and healthy life.