Cats are constant companions wherever humans choose to live, whether they’re kept as pets or left to fend for themselves in the streets. A good portion of the domesticated cat population is composed of them and they can sometimes be trouble. You can learn how to deal with these cats before they cost you money.

Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Pin the cords of your drapes up where your cat can’t get to them.

TIP! If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant.

Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. A cat’s fur must be brushed or combed on a regular basis. Such practices help keep cats’ coats clean. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Cat grooming will not only keep kitty looking great, but it will also help to reduce the effort spent picking up cat hair around the home.

It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. Cats love being up high so that they can see. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. If you don’t want your cats to jump on your counters, you can put a cat condo in or around the kitchen.

It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Every cat needs exercise time and play! But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Boredom can beget illness. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.

TIP! Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots.

Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. Passing these crystals is painful and the vet bill to have this corrected is expensive. Food with a low magnesium content will help. Always read labels. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.

If you want to let your cat outside, think again. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. Because of this, you should keep your cat’s food in a high spot that your dog won’t be able to reach. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs.

Cats love high spots. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.

Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. A common misconception is to rub your cats paws into the kitty litter however this isn’t a good idea.

After reading this article, you should have a working knowledge on how to care for your cat. This article’s advice will point you in the right direction, so use it well. Be wary handling or trying to remove feral cats from your yard. You may even bond with a stray cat that comes your way.