Cats are fascinating animals and make great pets. Their independent nature is great if you lead a busy life and cannot be at home 24/7. Put the advice below to use, and your cat will live a happy, healthy life.

If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.

TIP! If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee.

If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. 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. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.

Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If your cat is especially intent on chewing cords, keep them covered as much as possible. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. If you have rarely used electronics, put them up when you aren’t using them.

It’s not easy to keep cats off counters. Cats have a natural predilection for staking out a nice elevated place where they have a good view of their surroundings. One way to combat this behavior is to proved your cat with an elevated place it is okay to climb on. A carefully placed cat tower in the kitchen will keep cats away from the counter.

TIP! Your cat needs to be groomed properly. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis.

Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Make sure your children are aware of rooms that are open to your cat. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.

Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. There are many dangers to your cat outside. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

Litter Box

TIP! If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot.

If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. The cat will be fearful of you if you punish it.

Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. If you start them off eating the same type of food all of the time and you never change it up, this will most likely be the only food they will eat in the future.

A fun, intelligent and loving cat is a great pet for your family. When you’re well educated, your cat will be happy. Remember the included information and you can be the best cat owner imaginable. This maximizes the happiness in the life of your cat.