Some people believe cats are magical. They’re smart, but also independent, which makes them a great pet. As a cat owner, you need to be responsible and make sure your cat is well-taken care of. Continue reading to learn some excellent cat care tips so that you can raise a happy and healthy cat.

If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. If your cat has been spayed, however, you won’t have to worry about this happening.

TIP! If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost.

Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.

Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the cardboard rolls that are used for paper towels. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.

Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. Sooner or later, they’ll love to use it.

TIP! Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores.

Prevent crystals from forming in the urine of male cats with the right diet. Your cat will experience considerable pain when he has to pass these crystals, and it’s not an easy (or cheap) problem for your veterinarian to fix. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.

You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.

When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.

TIP! It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. Cats love being up high so that they can see.

Do you have both a dog and a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. Try locating your cat’s food in an area where the dog cannot go. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.

Cats love to be high up. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.

Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.

Scratching Post

Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. It may not look as nice, but cats love a scratching post with some wear and tear. By throwing away an old scratching post and replacing it with a newer one, your cat will likely look for older items to scratch, such as your furniture.

Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. In many cases, cheap antibiotics will resolve the problem and keep your cat healthy.

TIP! Your cat needs love and attention. They usually offer us warm companionship, and they require the same.

Always keep your declawed cat indoors. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Indoor cats are the only ones that should ever be declawed. Even in the case of indoor cats, you should only declaw the front claws. You do not have to touch claws on the back, as these claws do not damage the floor.

Cats have a keen sense of smell, which makes it simple for them to feel out changes in their environment. Sometimes this causes problems if you introduce a new food dish, bed, or scratching post. The cat may be leery of the new additions at first. Once the cat gets used to the smell of the new item, quickly he or she will get accustomed to it.

Put tape on your furnishings. If the cat tends to scratch your upholstery, some tape may stop the practice. Certain pet stores even sell this type of tape for this reason. Taping your furniture can save you money and teach your cat not to scratch the material.

TIP! Cats will often devote most of their time to grooming. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs.

You need to take the cat for particular thighs, and it can get costly. If you are looking to save money, buy your medications from reputable sites on the web. Some companies will express ship to your door. You can purchase ongoing medications for fleas or even treatments for heartworm from these websites.

Unique and magical creatures, cats make terrific house pets, provided that you are willing to take the time to educate yourself on proper cat care. Study these tips carefully. Put everything you’ve learned to use to keep your cat happy and healthy.