Cats are delightful! Their unique intelligence and independence combined with their loving nature make them ideal as house pets. But, cat care is not always simple. Keep reading to find out how to learn more about taking good care of your cat.

If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Hang your drapery cords out of your cats’ sight to avoid this.

TIP! You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations.

Properly groom your cat. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. It can cut down on shedding and spitting up hairballs, too. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.

Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. A collar can become a liability if your cat is especially adventurous. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.

Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.

TIP! Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill.

When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!

Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.

You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. This could be harmful and unsafe. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost.

Cats love high spots. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.

Talk to people you know about any cat problems you’re having. You may think it’s something you can take care of on your own, but other people that own cats could help. There are online cat forums that allow you to ask questions as well.

Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. Ditching the structure may alienate your cat, making it more likely to turn elsewhere in your home for its scratching needs.

TIP! Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey.

You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. Even if your cat is a house cat, this is still a good idea. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. Tags should include contact information for you and your vet. Include medical issues if appropriate.

Aired Cats

If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. Don’t get such a cat unless you are prepared for the extra commitment they take over regular cats. Long-haired cats usually suffer from hairball problems too.

TIP! Acclimate your cat to its carrier. Punishment affects cats differently from dogs.

Is your cat shedding like a madman? Cats are shedding machines, which means you need to brush them to keep the shedding under control. If your cat sheds a lot, brush it a lot. This keeps the coat from matting, too.

Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. This litter box must stay in an easy-to-find spot for your cat. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. If the litter box is kept on a cement floor, then place a rug or mat underneath it.

If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, be sure he gets his shots when he is supposed to an take him for a yearly check-up. Just like children, a kitten needs to have immunizations and wellness checks periodically to avoid disease and other health problems later in life. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.

TIP! Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. This is the condition that cats most appreciate.

Cats make amazing pets for you and your family, as long as you know how to take care of them. You should go over this article and learn more about how you can take care of your pet. Put everything you’ve learned to use to keep your cat happy and healthy.