Cat ownership can be joyful and rewarding. Make no mistake, though: Being a responsible cat owner involves putting in quite a bit of effort. Cat owners have many responsibilities. Luckily, the article below will illustrate exactly what those responsibilities are. Keep reading to learn all you can.

Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. Do not let your cat play with these. If the cords are in loops and the cat jumps into them or plays with them, they could possibly get them caught around their neck. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this.

TIP! Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops.

To help your aging cat feel cozy, place a warmed tile under his bed. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty’s favorite resting spot. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.

Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. You need to get a scratching post or a cat tower to prevent your cat from ruining your furniture. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. Sooner or later, they’ll love to use it.

A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. They love to be able to look around from up high. One way to combat this behavior is to proved your cat with an elevated place it is okay to climb on. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.

TIP! If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost.

Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.

Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.

Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. The best way to find out is to read the label. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.

TIP! Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls.

Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. The bones of a cat are weaker than a dogs, therefore, they should be handled with care.

Think hard before allowing your cat outside. It is dangerous in today’s society. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If your cat really wants to go outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.

You should not get rid of your cat’s old scratching post. The cats loves it the most in this condition. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.

Drinking Fountain

Get your cat a drinking fountain. Most cats will prefer drinking water that is running over drinking water in a bowl. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.

Feed canned food to your cat. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. Canned food is much easier to chew for older cats. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.

TIP! If you’re taking a trip with your cat, be sure to protect its ears. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down.

As previously stated, owning a cat is beneficial to you. In order to provide a home that a cat will find comfortable, stable, and healthy, you need to be prepared to take responsible steps. Take the advice below into account if you’re thinking about becoming a cat owner.