Popular poet T.S. Eliot said that a household will depend upon a cat. A healthy, well behaved cat can be a boon to any household. If you’ve spent any amount of time browsing the Internet, you probably know that cats aren’t always that agreeable. Here’s some great tips to help you get along better with your cat.

Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable.

If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.

Properly groom your cat. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. A well-groomed feline looks great on their own, but also helps keep a home well-groomed too.

If your cat is getting older, you can increase it’s comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. When the tile cools down, change it out for a fresh, warm one.

TIP! Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck.

If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.

Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.

Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. This means that they will be the most active at night time. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. This will keep them from pouncing on you and trying to play in the middle of the night.

TIP! Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. Bake a one-foot tile made from terra cotta in the oven at 200 degrees F for around 15 to 20 minutes.

If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Look over the label. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.

Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. Cats should be handled more gently since their bones are more fragile than those of dogs.

It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.

TIP! If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet.

Brush your cat regularly. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.

Get your cat a drinking fountain. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. Running sink water is another alternative that you can use. A fountain will allow your cat to have the happiness of drinking from running water.

Litter Box

TIP! If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found.

If you are having problems getting the cat to use the litter box, move it. Whenever a cat is using the restroom, it feels vulnerable; therefore, the litter box needs to be kept in a safe and quiet location. Great suggestions include your basement and laundry room.

When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. Cats wag their tails for very different reasons than dogs though. If you see a cat’s tail moving like that, it is an indication that they are agitated or don’t know what to do. If you are petting your cat and its tail begins to wag vigorously, stay away from the cat. It may be ready to attack you.

Your cat isn’t immune to the family illnesses. Since cats are like family, it’s easy to tell when they’re sick. Because a cat can go downhill rather quickly, it’s important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. This is the best way to rule out any serious illnesses.

TIP! Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered.

While owning a cat isn’t always easy, the reward is great. Whether your cat jumps around the house or prefers to lie around sleeping all day, this tips will help you improve the relationship between you and your feline friend. If you have a happy cat, you will probably be happy too!