Cats are a superb specimen of physical power, mental awareness, and tactile agility amongst domesticated animals. These felines are one of the most common household pets and flood the streets of every major city when active. Learning to coexist with such animals indoors is a different story. This article will show you how to enjoy your cat every day.

Keep your drape cords away from your cats. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This is an extreme choking hazard and should be prevented at all costs. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this.

TIP! Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. Do not allow your cat to play with these.

A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot. Heated in your oven around 200 degrees, it can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. If necessary, change this out every few hours.

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.

Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Boredom can beget illness. You need to give it new toys regularly and make sure your cat has plenty of space to run and play. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.

TIP! Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Indoor cats can slip out an open door.

Look online for cat medicine. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.

Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor. This habit means you will end up with cat food on the floor to clean up. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.

If you’re getting a kitten for your children, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. Let them know which rooms and areas your cats should not be in. It’s also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn’t escape. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.

TIP! Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now.

You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. Once you become familiar with your cat and its needs, it will become easier to determine what he needs when he meows. She will let you know when her demands are for food or when you need to let her out. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

Feed canned food to your cat. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. Canned food provides more water content for your cat as well as more fat and protein. It’s easier for older cats to chew as well. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. Don’t get such a cat unless you are prepared for the extra commitment they take over regular cats. There will be hairball issues as well.

Litter Box

Has your cat stopped using its litter box? If so, consider moving the box into another location. The best place for a litter box is in a secure, quiet area. Cats feel vulnerable when they’re using it, so they want it to be in a place where they feel safe. Basement areas and laundry rooms make perfect areas, as they have little traffic.

You can outsmart your cat when you keep the tips you read here close by. They will know what they can and cannot do. Although cats are tougher to train then dogs, they can still turn into well behaved animals that respect their owners.