All Cat Owners Should Read This Article!

A cat that is friendly and well-behaved can be great for any home. These tips can help you live comfortably with your cat.

You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. Never let your cats play with drape cords, as they could seriously injure themselves. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.

Keep your drape cords away from your cats reach. This may seriously injure or possibly kill them. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this type of issue.

Be sure your cat gets regular vet visits.Cats need routine annual check-ups and wellness checks just like people.Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape. Collars or tags can identify your cat, but cats can wiggle out of those, and they are also at risk of getting hung up on something. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.

TIP! A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. Long hair encourages hairballs.

It can be hard to make your cat off the kitchen counters. Cats enjoy going into high places so they can see. You can control this problem by designating some high-up places in the house that you feel comfortable having your cat to hang out.

Avoid the chance that your male cat will develop crystals and stones by feeding a high quality diet. Passing stones or crystals is painful and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Choose a low in magnesium. Be sure that you read the ingredient label.Products that contain fish have a higher in magnesium content then poultry based products.

Do you have both a dog and a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.

TIP! You must take caution when leaving your cat with any children. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet.

Think twice before allowing your cat outside. This can be very safe for a cat. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse parasites. Your cat may be targeted by another animal, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If your cat must go outside, limit it to an enclosed area.

Don’t teach your kitty how the basics of using a litter box. This is something that comes quite naturally – you can’t teach it. Don’t force them into the box by rubbing their paws or face in it.

Brush your cat regularly. The act of brushing helps the coat become glossy, and it helps stimulate the skin. As an added bonus, it cuts down on loose fur. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.

Litter Box

Do not discipline your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. If this happens, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. Punishing your cat will only make him afraid to be around you later on.

Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. A constant stream of water will entice them to stay hydrated. Running sink water is another alternative that you can use. A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.

TIP! It is important for a cat to have play time. Really play is something that all mammals share, no matter the age.

Take time to make your cat to go into a car carrier. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do. Encouragement is usually a better way to get your cats to perform. Put a favorite blanket inside the carrier then leave it open somewhere the cat is most often. The cat will feel comfy.This will make getting the cat in its carrier.

Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet should reflect that.

Long-haired cats require more care than their short-haired comrades. Silky, long hair can be stunning, but that fur won’t look as pretty when it’s on your sofa, clothes, and carpet. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.

TIP! Take your cat for vaccinations often to make sure he or she is healthy. A kitten is not so different from a child.

If you plan to add a second cat to your household, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. They may be leery of each other or hiss; that’s nothing to be concerned about.

Litter Box

Place a collar on your cat that has your name, phone number and address. Even a cat you plan to keep indoors can sometimes get out or get lost. If this should happen, you will have a better chance of getting your cat back home.

TIP! Feed dry food to your cat. As kittens, cats need moist food to accommodate small teeth.

Try moving your cat’s litter box if it’s refusing to use it. Cats perceive using the bathroom as an activity that makes them vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet.

Even a house cat can get outside. If that happens, make sure that it can get home.

Place some sticky tape on your furniture. This can deter your cat from scratching the upholstery. You can even find tape specifically designed for this use in many pet stores. If you place the tape on the furniture and add a scratching pole, your cat should stop scratching your things.

Your cat should remain indoors and near the person who owns it.Cats who stay inside instead of outside live longer according to certain studies.

Indoor Cats

Think twice before feeding a cat table scraps in place of treats. Human food is just that, meant for humans. It contains ingredients that aren’t meant for cats. However, many cats relish a small cube of cooked, unseasoned beef or chicken. Eggs are also welcomed. Cat food, though, can make your pet’s diet complete.

TIP! Ensure you always give your cat flea and tick medicine. Monthly drops are the best way to go to protect your cat.

Don’t let your declawed cat that’s had its claws removed go outside. The cat will have difficulty playing with other animals and that could get it hurt or killed. Indoor cats are the only type of cat that should be de-clawed. Even in the case of indoor cats, only their front claws should be removed. Don’t cut the back claws as cats need them to stay balanced.

You should never let your cat with something that is for humans. If health problems arise, be sure and take them to a vet to get the proper medication. Giving your pet medication meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and could even kill them.

Never leave your cat outdoors if the weather becomes dangerously bad. That means wind, cold temperatures and heavy rains. Your cat could panic in such weather and put itself in danger. Leaving them out could cause you to lose them after the weather clears.

TIP! Keep an eye on your cat when it’s the holiday season and you have a Christmas tree up. Cats will try to climb the tree and could get injured.

It’s very rewarding to own a cat, though it’s not always easy. If you have an active cat, or one more on the laid back side, the tips in this article can help you get along better with your pet. Soon you’ll be dealing with a happier cat.