If you own a cat, it is a beloved family member. Therefore, you should do all you can to properly care for it. They have needs that are different from dogs, and they should not be treated the same way. Continue reading for some great tips.

Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Never let your cats play with drape cords, as they could seriously injure themselves. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Therefore, ensure that drape cords are pinned away from your cat’s reach.

TIP! When looking for a new cat for your home, contact a local animal shelter. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable.

Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. Try to stick with one vet during the life of your pet. They’ll understand what your cat has been through.

If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. If you want to prevent this, spay your cat.

Flea Products

TIP! If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot.

Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Cats don’t like dog products. This happens a lot with flea products. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.

Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.

Electrical Cords

TIP! Take your cat to the vet every year. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary.

Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Cats are drawn to wires and cords, so you should keep them out of sight and out of mind if they are not being used.

It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.

Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This means that they will be the most active at night time. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.

TIP! Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs.

Take the time to make your cat familiar and comfortable with a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. This will teach your cat that the carrier is a good thing. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Streaming water is your best bet. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. Drinking fountains are more environmentally-friendly and they let your cat drink naturally.

Keep a collar with ID on your cat. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it.

If you’re adding an additional cat to your home, give the cats a few weeks to get to know each other. They may swat at each other or hiss; that’s nothing to be concerned about. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.

Play is essential to your cat’s life. As a matter of fact, exercise is crucial for all animals. An older cat may not be as energetic as when it was younger, but still enjoys light play. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.

If your cat was adopted while you were not working, your cat will get lonely when you go back to work. One tried-and-true way to keep a cat from getting lonely is to pair it up with another cat.

TIP! Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords.

Before you let your cat be an outdoor cat, consider the dangers of fleas, fungus and rabies. Although an indoor cat can be affected by a few of these things, they will be more prone to experiencing these issues if they are outside a lot.

Cat owners sometimes want to bathe their cat. But unlike dogs, bathing is not often necessary, unless the cat has gotten himself into a little bit of trouble somehow. Cats are self groomers, with barbed tongues that make for excellent cleaning utensils to rid themselves of any dirt. Cats can be picky about how they look!

Make sure your cat is treated with flea and tick medicine. There are many different varieties of monthly drops that have proven to be quite effective. These medicines keep harmful parasites away from your cat. For your cat’s safety, be sure to get something that is formulated specifically for cats.

TIP! You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping.

Cats can have medical problems, just like humans. Such pests can linger if untreated. You can get rid of them and even prevent them when you use the featured methods. You cat will thank you when you do.