Cats are great, but they are known for having very specific preferences. Every decision you make regarding your pet’s care has a consequence, be it good or bad. Read on for ideas and insights that will benefit you, your cat, and your entire household.

Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.

TIP! If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee.

If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty’s favorite resting spot. Change every few hours if you like.

When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.

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. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.

TIP! If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees.

Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. The cat is in pain passing the crystals, and the correction for this is costly. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Read the label. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.

Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. To keep your cat calm and collected over the course of your trip, keep the stereo low – or perhaps off entirely.

If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. She will let you know when her demands are for food or when you need to let her out. Know what your cats cries mean so that you’re able to understand the cat more.

TIP! If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out.

Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. Although you might want to attempt to handle the problem yourself, other cat owners can provide you with excellent advice that may help you to resolve it. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.

Cannot Teach

You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. It’s not a good idea to rub your cats paws in litter. Some people think this is the way to train. It isn’t.

TIP! You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs.

When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. If you get mad, they’ll never use the box again.

Splurge on your cat’s food. Always look at the ingredients first. You want to see either fish, chicken or beef noted. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Cats are carnivores, so if you want them to be as healthy as possible, you need to be sure they’re eating enough animal protein.

When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.

TIP! Your furnishings and belongings can easily be ruined by a cat’s claws. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post.

Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.

Aired Cat

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. That hair will truly get everywhere! If you don’t mind cleaning, get a long-haired cat. They can also have more health issues due to hairballs.

TIP! Though cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat.

If the cat stops using their litter box all of a sudden, keep an eye on this. There are conditions that will cause a kitty to do this. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. Therefore, whenever you notice your cat not using its litter box, call your veterinarian.

Make sure your cat’s collar has important information, such as your address, phone number and name. Even if they’re an indoor cat, they may get out. It that is the case, you should make certain they have the ability to get back home.

Your cat will thrive if allowed to say indoors. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. You can exercise your cat by playing with it.

TIP! Do all you can to figure out what’s causing your cat to meow. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean.

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. If you follow the advice in this article you can be a great cat owner. Your research is going to pay off in the long run.