Cats and humans have lived together through the ages. Cats have inspired the songs, poetry and visual arts of many cultures. Cats are the boss, after all. This article will teach you how to coexist and care for your cat.

Keep your drape cords away from your cats. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Hide the cords for safety sake.

TIP! You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations.

Keep your cat groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. If you do this frequently you’ll be able to help the cat have clean fur. It also stops hairballs. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.

If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat. When this occurs, your cat could get pregnant. Having your cat spayed is the only way to 100 percent prevent accidental litters.

The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.

TIP! Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away.

Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Go over the label carefully. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.

Be especially mindful of your cat’s ears when you take them on a trip. Although you might enjoy jamming to your music, understand that cats prefer peace and quiet. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!

Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.

TIP! Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. In long-haired cats, hairballs can result from excess grooming.

Cats have a love affair with heights. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If you don’t wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.

Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.

A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. An older cat may not be as energetic as when it was younger, but still enjoys light play. Enjoy some playtime with your cat.

TIP! If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down.

There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. That hair will truly get everywhere! Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Long haired cats often have hairball problems.

Litter Box

Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. Your first instinct will be to put it in a nook or cranny so that you won’t see or smell it. However, it is important to keep their litter box in an area they can easily get to. It helps to make life easy for the cat, as they can be quite picky about things. If you have the box on a floor that is cold cement for example, put a rug or mat under it.

TIP! Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. If you have spent any significant amount of time around your cat, you will quickly find you can figure out what he wants when he cries.

Take notice if and when your cat ever stops conducting their business in their litter box. There are conditions that will cause a kitty to do this. For example, the behavior may be caused by an infection of the kidneys or bladder. If your pet stops using the litter box then see your veterinarian.

When your cat is due to deliver babies, ensure that she has a comfortable area with some space. The birth of the kittens will take approximately four hours, so use a little patience. Should the time run to six hours, and you think more kittens are due, get the cat to the vet immedietely

With dogs, tail wagging is a sign they’re in a good mood, or glad their owners are around. Cats also wag their tails, but for totally different reasons. In cats, wagging of the tail tends to indicate conflict or anxiety. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.

TIP! Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet.

There are certain foods that you might eat everyday that are not healthy for your cat. A few unhealthy food items for cats are green tomatoes, grapes, garlic and onions. Ingesting these foods can end up making your cat really sick or worse. In addition, milk can also upset your cat’s stomach.

Your cat may feel like the king or queen in your home. If you use these tips, you can teach your cat who is really in charge of the home. Cats make wonderful pets, so use these tips to better care for yours.