Cats are creatures that exhibit power, agility, and finesse. They are also very common household members across the world, and can be found in houses and on the busy streets of almost every major city. It can pose quite the challenge and be difficult at first when they are brought indoors. They’re powerful, smart, and agile, which makes them hard-headed. You’ll need advanced techniques to deal with them.

If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. Adopting your cat at a shelter allows you to save a cat’s life while also helping mitigate overpopulation.

TIP! Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them.

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. It might take a little while, but eventually it should stop the problem.

Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Not only will your cat appreciate it but you will too.

Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. This can lead to a big clean-up. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.

TIP! If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot.

If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. When you pay attention to the cat’s actions and cues, then may grow to understand the cat all the more.

Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. Cats come to harm outside every day. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.

Do you own a dog and cat? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.

TIP! Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower.

Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.

Litter Box

Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. Many times, this is caused by failure to properly clean or place the litter box. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.

TIP! Don’t allow your cat become bored. Cats need stimulation.

Understand that all cats need exercise and play time. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Older cats may not have much energy, but they still like to play. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.

Really consider where you place the litter box. You may want to hide it away. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. It helps to make life easy for the cat, as they can be quite picky about things. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.

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. These problems are generally related to the kidneys and/or bladder. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.

TIP! Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. They give us love, and we need to return it to them.

All cats have a strong sense of smell; therefore, they easily smell changes in your home. This may cause some problems when introducing new beds, scratching posts, or food dishes. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. Once the cat gets used to the smell of the new item, quickly he or she will get accustomed to it.

Consider your cat if you are going to make a schedule change. To improve your cat’s mood, consider adopting a second cat. They can then keep each other company while you are absent.

It’s important to only feed your cat the amount of food that it should have to ensure a healthy life. The result of overeating is obesity, which then leads to other health issues. Keep an eye on how much your pet is eating, and be sure that their diet is balanced.

TIP! Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses.

Keep an eye out for places you want the cat to stay away from. Cats are able to fit into gaps that are tiny. Kittens are even smaller! Take care of this issue when you have a new cat coming into your home. Cover up or repair any sizable holes you find.

Now that you’ve read this advice, you should better be able to outsmart your feline companion. Soon, your cat will understand its role in your home. They may not be as easy to train as a dog, but cats can be trained to be well-mannered, if not always obedient.