Purring like a motor in a car. You get these things when you bring home a cat. It is important to learn as much as you can about cats if you own one or are thinking of owning one. This article will allow both you and your cat to be happier. Continue reading!

Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.

TIP! You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. Never let your cats play with drape cords, as they could seriously injure themselves.

Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.

If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.

Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat.

Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. Close the door to prevent the noise from getting to you. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.

Your cat needs love and attention. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.

Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. The best way to find out is to read the label. Cat food with lots of fish tends to have more magnesium, while products with lots of poultry tend to have less.

TIP! If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever.

If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.

Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Spend time instructing your children on cat care. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.

You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.

TIP! Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This also has the effect of stopping fights over the water before they start.

Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. There are also forums on the Internet which cater to cat parents.

Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.

TIP! Most cats are very nocturnal. This means their behavior is quite active during the night.

Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Cats are known for shedding, so good grooming habits are a must. The more your cat sheds, the more often you want to give them a good brushing. This will also help their coat from getting tangled or matted.

Litter Box

Pay attention if your cat won’t use their litter box. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. You should take your cat to the vet if you think there is something wrong with your pet.

TIP! Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency.

There are some thing that you eat that may not be good for your cat. Garlic and onions are popular examples. These foods are healthy for humans, but they can make cats very sick. Dairy, including milk, is also not a good thing to give your cat.

This piece has given you useful cat tips. You can really become a better pet owner. When your cat is cared for properly, you will enjoy your time with it much more and it will be happier. Apply these tips, and you can’t go wrong.