Cats have often been mentioned in fiction and poetry. Eliot once described cats as a creature on which a household depends, and there’s definitely some truth in his words. A cat that is healthy and well mannered can be a great addition to any home. The downside to cats, however, is they can be hard to deal with. Here’s some great tips to help you get along better with your cat.

Drape Cords

TIP! Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs.

Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. 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 could really hurt or possibly kill them. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.

Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.

If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. Change it every couple of hours if desired.

TIP! An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost.

You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. This definitely applies to flea products. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. Make sure to separate your cat from your dog after spraying.

You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Every cat needs exercise time and play! But many cat owners ignore that need. Boredom can beget illness. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. Give them a cat tree to play with.

Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Passing these crystals is painful and the vet bill to have this corrected is expensive. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Check the ingredients list on the label. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.

TIP! Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post.

If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.

Think hard before allowing your cat outside. Cats come to harm outside every day. Your cat could get parasites, or worse. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If your cat really wants to go outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.

Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs love to eat cat food! Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. That also means they don’t fight about water after eating the food.

TIP! Your cat needs love and attention. Your cat will enjoy your company if you pet and play with her.

If adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a couple of weeks to get comfortable with each other. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. However, cats should eventually learn to co-habitate properly.

Keep your cat’s vaccinations and checkups up to date with the vet. A kitten is not so different from a child. It needs properly-scheduled check-ups and immunizations to prevent medical complications down the road. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.

If your cat will not use the litter box, try placing it at a different spot in your home. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. Some good places would be basements, laundry rooms, and any other place that doesn’t have a lot of noise and people going in and out.

TIP! You may be able to find a better deal on your cat’s prescription online instead of purchasing them from your veterinarian. Online prescriptions are not the best choice if you do not have the time to wait on a mail order, such as in a medical emergency.

Caring for a cat can be difficult, but it is very gratifying. The tips you’ve read can help you build a better bond with your cat. Sounds of contentment are bound to arise more often.