Being curious – and occasionally odd – is in your cats nature. They can ignore you for hours, only to suddenly demand your undivided attention. They are hard to figure out, but they also bring much joy. The following are terrific tips for keeping a happy cat.

Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This could cause injury or death. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.

TIP! When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care.

Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. It also stops hairballs. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.

Cats like to get into all sorts of 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. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.

Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. Bake a one-foot tile made from terra cotta in the oven at 200 degrees F for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. If necessary, change this out every few hours.

TIP! Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due.

Cats can have nocturnal tendencies. This means that they will be the most active at night time. If your cat is keeping you up at night, you should close the door to your bedroom. This will keep them from attacking your toes.

Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Like many people, cats need to socialize with people so that they feel like they are an important part of their family’s lives. They want to feel like a contented and satisfied member of the family.

If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better. Therefore, keep your music or other sounds at an acceptable level.

TIP! It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. They love to be able to look around from up high.

Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.

Don’t let your cat go outside. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. Your cat can pick up fleas, or worse. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.

Cats do not need to be taught how they should use the cat litter box. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not be taught. While some folks think you should pick up your cat and place their paws against the litter, this can actually be traumatic.

TIP! Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive.

Cats are not always easy to figure out, but they certainly can make loyal friends if you let them. Take what you’ve just learned to heart. Caring for a cat is one of life’s great pleasures.