There are so many joys you can get from just having a cat. You must put a lot of work into owning a cat. You must be aware of the responsibilities of being a cat owner. Thankfully, the following paragraphs will give you the knowledge you need. Read on and learn.

You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. If yu do this quite often, it will help them stay clean. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.

TIP! Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls.

If your cat is getting older, you can increase it’s comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do. Cover with a small blanket or towel, then place it beneath your pet’s bed. Change it regularly if you need to.

If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. 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. Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.

If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.

TIP! You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window.

Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.

Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.

Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. Be sure that you read the label. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.

TIP! Never let your cat experience frequent boredom. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too.

Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. This means food spillage that you will have to clean later. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.

Try not to let your cat go outside. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.

Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. A cat should not be left alone with a child under five years of age. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.

TIP! Cats are nocturnal animals. This means their behavior is quite active during the night.

When something seems amiss with your feline friend, speak with other cat owners. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? There are many online cat forums that you can visit and ask some questions. If necessary, you may need to call your veterinarian.

There are many great benefits that a cat brings to the table. In order to provide a home that a cat will find comfortable, stable, and healthy, you need to be prepared to take responsible steps. Use the information that has been given to you if you plan on having a cat as a pet.