Cats have co-existed with people for many centuries. Cats have also inspired countless works of art, including songs, plays, and films. It shouldn’t be surprising then why cats feel like they are the ones running the show! This article will provide you with some advice on how to get your cat to listen to you and much more.

Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. Therefore, use a breakaway collar that will come undone whenever it’s being pulled very tightly. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.

TIP! Keep drape cords away from cats. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death.

If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. If necessary, you can change out the tile after a few hours to provide continued warmth.

Think about putting a microchip in your pet. 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 tiny and contain all your contact information. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.

Don’t allow your cat become bored. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. Indoor cats will be happier if you provide them with climbing resources and practical things such as scratching posts.

TIP! Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed.

Be sure you show your cat lots of love. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same. Cats need a social life with people just like you do with other people. They want to feel like a contented and satisfied member of the family.

Your cat most likely spends quite a bit of time grooming. If your cat has hair that’s long it could get hairballs. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.

If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. They don’t want to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.

TIP! If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant.

Though cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.

Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.

Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.

TIP! Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. You need to get a scratching post or a cat tower to prevent your cat from ruining your furniture.

Consider buying your cat a special drinking fountain. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Cat usually respond well to streams. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.

Your cat may act like it’s the owner of your house, and it could even think it’s the ruler of the universe. However, it is possible to get a cat to realize that it is actually you who is in charge. Cats make wonderful pets, so use these tips to better care for yours.