Cats: What You Should Know About Caring For One

TIP! Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them.

Cats are awesome! If you have a cat, you need to learn more about the proper way to care for your beloved pet to make sure it has a long and healthy life. Read this article and follow the suggestions it contains.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Ensure your cat remains groomed. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. This leads to a cleaner cat. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.

TIP! Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls.

Cats will try to get into many different crevices. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.

TIP! Normally cats are nocturnal animals. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night.

A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.

Scratching Post

TIP! You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. Sometimes you might not have time to wait for an online order to arrive however, such as if your cat needs an immediate antibiotic or emergency treatment.

Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. It may take some time, but will be worth the effort and expense.

TIP! Make a tablecloth for your cats. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground.

It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off the counter.

TIP! Consider all the options before you let your cat be an outdoors cat. It is dangerous in today’s society.

Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. They should stay away from you at night and then they will not be able to jump on your feet.

TIP! If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others.

Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.

TIP! Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Dogs and cats will respond differently to punishment.

Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. When children are over the age of five, then you should decide whether or not they are mature enough to handle a kitten.

TIP! Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. This applies even to indoor cats.

When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.

TIP! Cats need to play! Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. An older cat may not be as energetic as when it was younger, but still enjoys light play.

You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. They need positive reinforcement. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. In the future, your cat will not get scared when you put him in the carrier.

TIP! Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. It is tempting to place it out of sight, in order to avoid the image of it or smells that go along with dirty litter.

Canned food is usually the best option for your cat. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. Canned food generally provides more nutrients, protein and fat as well as liquids. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.

Litter Box

TIP! The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. Refrain from serving onions or garlic, as these foods are too strong for your cat.

If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. If your cat refuses to use its litter box, there may be an underlying health concern. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.

TIP! Beware of panting. Panting in dogs is perfectly normal.

As you can now see, cats make outstanding pets. To make sure your cat remains happy and healthy, you must become educated on how to care for them properly. Take advantage of all the suggestions this article provides. You will be thanked by your cat.