Cats don’t have to compete with any other animal and they are great to have around your house because of a few reasons. Cats are beneficial in keeping rodents out of your house, and they are also a lot of fun. Critters fear cats; they can be very valuable to have around the house.

Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This could hurt or kill them. Make sure drapery cords are kept back to avoid this.

TIP! Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death.

If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.

Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. The best way to find out is to read the label. Avoid fish products.

Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. You should pay attention to these cues and you will eventually learn to decipher them.

Cat Owners

Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.

Cats may make a small mess outside their litter box. They’re doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.

Cat Needs

You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.

Feed canned food to your cat. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. As your cat ages, canned food is more easily chewed. Talk to the veterinarian prior to making any big changes; but, usually, canned food is best for your cat.

TIP! Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords.

Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. This may be a symptom of an infection of the urinary tract or another health problem in your cat. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.

Think about the extra work before buying a long-haired cat. Cats are beautiful with hair that is long and silky. Your clothes, floors and furniture aren’t. Unless you’re committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. It should also be noted that long haired cats are much more susceptible to hairballs.

When a dog wags it’s tail, it’s telling you that it is excited or happy. Cats also wag their tails, but for totally different reasons. A cat wags its tail when it is upset. When you hold your cat and he begins to wag his tail, put him down!

TIP! Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark.

Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, close to home and near its owner. Cats that stay inside have been shown to live much longer than the ones that are allowed to roam your neighborhood. Outdoor cats face numerous predators and are at a higher risk of disease.

Panting is not a normal response for a cat. With dogs, this is something that is common. Panting sometimes means your cat might be overheated or perhaps anxious, but it also can sometimes mean something even more serious. Be sure you get in touch with a vet, especially if your animal has had problems with breathing before.

Many cat owners think that they need to give their cats baths in order to prevent them from getting dirty. Fortunately, you don’t have to bathe your feline very often. The only exception is if the animal gets into something particular sticky or gooey. Cats frequently groom themselves by using their tongues that are specifically designed to remove dirt. Cats love to be clean!

TIP! When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into.

Always make sure to use flea and tick medication on your cat. Some treatments can protect your cat for months. Using these chemicals protects your pet from parasitic organisms, many of which are capable of causing serious illness. Be sure to use something made just for cats to keep your pet safe.

While you might think that a cat is the ideal holiday gift for your child, it’s simply too hectic of a time. Let your child have a hand in the choosing of their new pet by taking them to a shelter or store.

While you might not consider a cat a great hunter like a guard dog, the cat eliminates smaller pests, has the motivation and is much more family-friendly. Cats are actually excellent hunters and often get the kill. With so much going for them, the cat’s popularity is easy to see.