Cats are often curious and temperamental. They seem really independent, but they love human interaction as well. Cats may be confusing, but having them purring on your lap is priceless. This advice will assist you in properly caring for your cat.

Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. Do not let your cat play with these. If the cords are in loops and the cat jumps into them or plays with them, they could possibly get them caught around their neck. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Therefore, ensure that drape cords are pinned away from your cat’s reach.

TIP! If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot. Heated in your oven around 200 degrees, it can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. Wrap it in an old towel and put it under your cat’s bed or blanket. Change it every couple of hours if desired.

Make sure your cat gets lots of love. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.

A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.

TIP! An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged.

If you give your kids a kitten, provide them with firm boundaries at the same time. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.

Try to figure out why your cat meows. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. The cat may want something to eat or to get let out. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.

Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This can prevent squabbles over water when their food is gone.

TIP! Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home.

Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. They need positive reinforcement. Therefore, place your cat’s favorite toy into its career. Leave the carrier open in a location that your cat frequently visits. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. Once this is achieved, you can transport your cat inside the carrier much easier.

Drinking Fountain

Get your cat a drinking fountain. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. Running sink water is another alternative that you can use. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.

TIP! Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side.

If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. This sort of behavior can be caused by urinary tract infections or other, more serious medical issues in your cat. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.

Put a breakaway collar on a cat with an engraved tag. Even if you have a house cat, there is a chance that he or she may get out. If your cat does get out, make sure that it can get home.

An indoor cat is a healthy, happy cat. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. Going outside may give your pet some exercise, but the risk of disease or injury outweighs that benefit.

TIP! Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. You should keep your cat food away from the dog.

Though cats may be confusing, they can also become your best friends. Take what you’ve just learned to heart. Having cats can be a great thing for anyone, and when you care for them properly, a happy cat is a great friend.