Cats have no competition in the animal kingdom and are easily the best pets to keep around the home for several reasons. They are very entertaining, and they are experts at keeping your home free from rodents, bugs and other pests. Do your best to keep your cat in good health and happy; they will help to protect your property!

Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health. Try using one veterinarian consistently. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.

TIP! Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled.

Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.

Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. If you own electronic devices with thin cords, you should keep them out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them.

Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.

TIP! If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands.

Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats need play and exercise. Sadly, many cat owners do not understand the importance of this. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.

Try and figure out why kitty is meowing. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.

Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. It can be unsafe. They may acquire fleas or much worse things. There’s the chance that your pet could be harmed by other animals or passing vehicles. If letting your cat outdoors is important to you, let them out in a safe fenced area.

TIP! Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used.

Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs love to eat cat food! This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to. That also means they don’t fight about water after eating the food.

Loose Hair

Make sure that you brush your cat’s coat often. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet’s stomach and they later cough it up.

TIP! If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive.

New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.

If your feline just won’t use the litter box, try moving it to a different location. Instinctively, cat’s will search out a safe place to eliminate, so try relocating the litter box to a quiet and secluded area. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.

An indoor cat is a healthy, happy cat. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. Outdoor cats can be attacked by other animals and exposed to many harmful influences. Play with your cat daily to give it adequate exercise.

TIP! Reconsider outside time for your cat. Cats come to harm outside every day.

Preventing hairballs can help keep your cat sanitary and safe. One mixed teaspoon of pumpkin mixed into your cat’s food should help. A teaspoon of tuna water mixed with pumpkin can also work. Find a cat food with some extra fibers or another anti-hairball ingredient to get rid of this problem.

While cats lack the ferocity and imposing mass of dogs, they’re still capable hunters and loyal defenders of your home. Cats are effective mouse-hunters, but they are also cunning and inquisitive. This makes them fascinating pets. It’s not surprising that cats are popular given the attributes that have been described.