Cats can make totally delightful pets, if you know the proper care techniques. It pays to learn all you can about proper cat care. This article is like a Rosetta Stone of cat care information.

Cats like sneaking into small spaces. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. That’ll keep kitty safe.

TIP! Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care.

To help your aging cat feel cozy, place a warmed tile under his bed. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Put it inside a cloth and place underneath your feline’s blanket or bed. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.

Electrical Cords

Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. Hide those loose cords and keep them out of sight in no longer needed paper towel rolls. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.

TIP! Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck.

When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. It shouldn’t be put in an area with high traffic and should be far from their food. You’ll want to place the box in a spot with good ventilation to avoid unpleasant smells. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.

Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Make sure that you teach your children the proper way to handle a kitten or cat. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.

It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. This will be something that the cat does on its own and it usually is not learned fro another. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.

TIP! Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back.

Brush your cat on a regular basis. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin’s blood flow. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.

Give your cat a wide array of foods in order to prevent pickiness. If you start them off eating the same type of food all of the time and you never change it up, this will most likely be the only food they will eat in the future.

Your cat deserves a high quality food. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. Steer clear of food made primarily of corn and fillers. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.

TIP! Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side.

Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.

Make sure play time is an important part of your cat’s life. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Older cats might not be quite as energetic as they used to be, but light play can still be fun for them. Enjoy your cat every day.

Prior to adopting any long-haired cat, make sure you understand the extra work involved. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. You must be willing to spend more time cleaning your home. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.

Litter Box

Think about where you want to put the litter box. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. The cat has to be able to easily access the box. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. If you keep the litter box on a cold cement floor, put a mat or rug down underneath it.

If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, be sure he gets his shots when he is supposed to an take him for a yearly check-up. Not unlike kids, kittens require vaccinations and check ups every so often so that they do not get sick. Your cat is a member of your family, so treat them like any valued member of your home.

TIP! Do you own both a dog and a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach.

Don’t ever give your cat medicine created for humans. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. Providing your cat with a human medication can seriously harm them, and it just might kill them.

Health Issues

Overfeeding your cat can result in serious health issues as he ages. Your cat could become obese and develop some health issues. Carefully monitor your cat’s portions to make sure they eat a balanced diet.

TIP! Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. Punishment affects cats differently from dogs.

Vet bills are rarely small. You can save by purchasing your pet medications online. Some companies will even deliver directly to your home. This is beneficial for monthly medications your cat takes, such as heart worm pills or flea treatments.

Cats make great pets, but you must care for them properly. As a responsible cat owner, take the time to read through this article a few times and utilize all of the great cat care information that it contains. Through your efforts, love, and time, your cat can have a healthy and fulfilling life.