Cats are great pets to have around and they need to be taken care of. However, you don’t do this like you would for a dog. You need to brush them, but not bathe them often. The following information will help you learn more about all aspects of cat care.

Drapery Cords

TIP! Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots.

Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. Make sure drapery cords are kept back to avoid this.

Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.

Never let a cat become bored. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Cats who get bored can actually become depressed or display other undesirable behaviors. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.

TIP! It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see what’s going on around the house.

Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. Because of this, night time is when they are most active. Close the door to prevent the noise from getting to you. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.

Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. For this reason, you need to place your cat’s bowl in an area that is to high for a dog to reach. This can also prevent unnecessary arguments between your pets over the water supply, once the food has been consumed.

If possible, always choose canned cat food. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. Canned food provides more water content for your cat as well as more fat and protein. It’s much easier for older cats to chew it as well. Speak with your vet to determine the proper course of action to take.

TIP! When you get a cat for your kids, make sure your kids know the rules in advance. Make sure that you let your kids know which areas of the house the cat will be allowed in.

If your cat urinates frequently or outside his box, you may need to talk to your vet. This is likely to be something that should be looked after. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.

Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. Although it may look nice, it will look much worse when it sheds all over your home. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Long-haired cats also often have hairballs.

If your cat will not use the litter box, try placing it at a different spot in your home. Cats know that during the elimination process they are left somewhat vulnerable, so moving the box to a more private area should help. Basements, laundry rooms and other quiet spots are best.

TIP! Cats generally will meow for a reason. You need to learn what their meows mean.

Do not use cleaning supplies with phenol in them if you have a cat. This is a chemical that is normally found in Lysol, Pine-Sol and other household cleaners. Cats hate the smell of phenol, and for good reason. Long term exposure to it can cause cats to have live issues.

Don’t give a cat medicine that is intended for humans. Go to a vet if there are problems, don’t self diagnose. Pets that have taken human medications face serious injury or worse.

Once your cat has had the best grooming possible, it can look good. With proper care, your cat will enjoy a long and healthy life as your companion. The cat will love any grooming you do. Follow this post, and spend time grooming your cat regularly.