Of all the pets that you could choose to own, cats are on the top of the list. If you have never had one, you should read this article before getting one. These tips are helpful for all cat owners who want to live a happy life with their cat.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. This will help you save your cat’s life.

TIP! Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots.

Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.

Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.

A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.

TIP! You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too.

Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime. But many cat owners ignore that need. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. Indoor cats will be happier if you provide them with climbing resources and practical things such as scratching posts.

Most cats are nocturnal. This means their behavior is quite active during the night. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.

Cats frequently groom themselves. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.

TIP! Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. However, if it has a lot of hair, hairballs can occur.

Cats generally will meow for a reason. After a while, you’ll start to recognize what some of the noises your cats makes mean. The cat may want something to eat or to get let out. Listen to what’s she’s trying to tell you, and you’ll begin to understand her cues.

Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.

Cats love high spots. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.

TIP! Look online for cat medicine. In an emergency, however, this might not be possible.

Brush your cat regularly. This will help stimulate blood flow. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.

Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. By feeding the cat the same kind of food over and over again, they become used to that specific food. Good luck getting it to try something new!

Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. You may believe that it’s in terrible condition, but cats typically prefer it this way. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.

Cat Needs

You cat should get cat food that is of a good quality. Ensure that the food your cat eats is very high in protein. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Understand that your cat needs a lot of animal protein to stay healthy.

Cats can really make wonderful pets. They are a source of comfort and reduce stress. But, you must understand proper cat care in order to have a happy animal. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your cat will enjoy each other for years to come.