Cats are amazing pets, but they can be a finicky lot! There are so many things you need to know if you’re going to own a cat. The article below has the information you need.

Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. Do this often in order to aid in keeping your cat’s outer coat clean and healthy. Also, this can eliminate the constant shedding that you will deal with. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.

TIP! Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues.

Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. This also allows the vet to become more familiar with your cat’s unique health needs and personality.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.

Electrical Cords

TIP! Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Cats need to play and get regular exercise.

Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). If you own electronic devices with thin cords, you should keep them out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them.

Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. They can scratch the post instead. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.

Keeping your cats away from the counters can be hard. They love being above everything so that they can watch it all. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.

TIP! You have to place a litter box correctly. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals.

Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They should feel like a valued family member as well.

Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Keep in mind that a cat’s bones are much more fragile than a dog’s.

Create a tablecloth for the feline. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. Simply place a cloth placemat that will grab at the food under their plate and then shaken out over the trash. You can put a vinyl one underneath that can be picked up wiped down easily if you prefer.

TIP! Make sure your cat gets lots of love. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner.

Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Make sure that you let your kids know which areas of the house the cat will be allowed in. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.

Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. Once you become familiar with your cat and its needs, it will become easier to determine what he needs when he meows. Maybe she wants to go out, or maybe she wants to eat. Listen to what’s she’s trying to tell you, and you’ll begin to understand her cues.

Cat Outside

TIP! Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs.

If you want to let your cat outside, think again. There are many dangers to your cat outside. Cats can become infected with fleas, ticks and ringworm. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.

Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. Once the child is older and more mature, decide if they are ready for the responsibility of handling animals.

You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.

TIP! If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down.

If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. You should not get a cat with long-hair unless you are ready to do a lot of cleaning. Hairballs are something that you will often deal with if you own a fluffy cat.

While taking care of a feline friend might appear to be a simple chore, they do require special care, TLC and a fair amount of money to raise to adulthood. You can care for your cat best with the tips in this article. Doing some research will make things go better in the end.