Cats are excellent pets for the whole family but they require some attention. In addition to being fun and entertaining, having a cat will prevent rodents and other pests from getting in your home. They are usually unappreciated heroes that keep many critters away from your home.

Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.

TIP! Good grooming is important for cats. Brushing is a very important component towards taking care of your cat.

Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower. Encourage them to scratch that instead. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.

You may want to have a microchip put into your car. You never know when your cat could get away from you. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. Nearly all veterinarians and shelters now have scanners capable of reading the information on these chips, and since they are under the skin, there is no chance of the chip getting lost.

Give your kitty lots of love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.

TIP! Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe.

Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. 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. This will help prevent any fights that may occur between your animals.

Understand that cats enjoy being elevated. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.

Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Therefore, place your cat’s favorite toy into its career. Leave the carrier open in a location that your cat frequently visits. Eventually, the cat will go into the carrier naturally and feel comfortable. It’s a much easier way to get the cat in.

TIP! Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products.

Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. 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.

Give your cat canned food. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. There is more water in canned food and more protein and fat too. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.

A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. Really play is something that all mammals share, no matter the age. Older cats might not be quite as energetic as they used to be, but light play can still be fun for them. Take the time to play and have a little fun with your kitty.

Litter Box

It is possible that placing the litter box in a new part of the house will help your cat to bond with it. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.

Your cat should stay inside most of the time, and when it’s outside, you should ensure it remains close to home. Cats who live indoors live longer and are healthier than outdoor cats. Outdoor cats face numerous predators and are at a higher risk of disease.

TIP! You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them.

A cat that is declawed should never spend time being outside. They won’t be able to protect themselves against other animals, and they run the risk of getting seriously injured. Indoor cats can be declawed, though. The front claws should be the only ones removed. Leave the back claws, as these do not scratch your floors or furniture.

Don’t give a cat human medications. If your cat needs medication, then you should take your cat to the vet. When you make the mistake of giving any type of human medication to your cat, it can kill them or cause them some other type of grave medical misfortune.

A cat might not seem to be as good of a hunter as a guard dog, but dogs won’t put in the effort to hunt small critters, and they aren’t as friendly around the family. Cats often are better hunters than dogs. It’s easy to see why so many people have fallen for the company of cats.