Owning a cat can bring you tremendous joy. That said, they’re not easy to care for. With cat ownership, comes many responsibilities. Thankfully, the following article will tell you all you need to know. Become aware of what the commitment entails, then approach it wisely.

Drape Cords

TIP! You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health.

Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. You should not allow your cat to play with drape cords since they could end up with the cord wrapped around their neck. This could kill them. It is highly recommended that you keep all drape cords pinned in such a way that the cat can’t see them so as to prevent any accidents.

If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap it in an old towel and put it under your cat’s bed or blanket. You can even switch it out every few hours.

Dog Products

TIP! Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous.

It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. These dog flea products can even cause feline death. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.

A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. 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.

Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Your cat will enjoy your company if you pet and play with her. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.

TIP! Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do.

Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Give your cat foods that are low in magnesium. Check the ingredients list on the label. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.

Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.

High areas are ideal for cats. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. Additionally, you can place a bed or blanket in this space.

TIP! A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever.

You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.

Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. If you throw it away too soon, that cat may look to your furniture for some clawing while it slowly breaks in a new scratching post.

You need to provide your cat with a drinking fountain. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. A fountain keeps the water moving without letting any go to waste.

TIP! Keeping cats from a counter really can be tough. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them.

Does it feel like your home is overrun with your cat’s hair? Cats can shed quite a bit; therefore, it’s important that you maintain proper grooming habits by brushing them often. If your cat is a big shedder, you definitely want to brush him often. This will make your cat’s coat nice and smooth.

There are many great benefits that a cat brings to the table. In order to provide a home that a cat will find comfortable, stable, and healthy, you need to be prepared to take responsible steps. Be sure to use this information if you want to make a cat part of your home.