Some people believe cats are magical. They have a loving nature at times, and yet are strangely intelligent and independent. Properly caring for cats, however, is not easy. Keep reading to find out how to learn more about taking good care of your cat.

Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.

TIP! Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee.

It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.

Electrical Cords

Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you’re not using them.

TIP! Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis.

Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through 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 very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.

Make sure your cat gets lots of love. Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back. Like many people, cats need to socialize with people so that they feel like they are an important part of their family’s lives. Make them feel at home.

Cats frequently groom themselves. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.

TIP! Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it.

Try and figure out why kitty is meowing. You need to learn what their meows mean. They may want outside or may be hungry. When you understand what each type of behavior indicates, you can improve your relationship.

Litter Box

Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.

TIP! Most cats are very nocturnal. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night.

As soon as you adopt your cat, fit him with identification tags attached to a collar. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.

A long-haired cat comes with a great deal of extra care. While long haired cats are soft and look great, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.

If you have a cat who is pregnant, make sure that you give her a private spot that is closed away from other animals and has room for her to move in easily. The birth will take place over the span of several hours. Bring your cat to her vet immediately if six hours have passed without all the kittens coming out.

TIP! Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs.

Cats are unique creatures that make wonderful pets in the home if you take a little time to learn how to care for them properly. Study the tips in this article very carefully. Use what you’ve learned to enjoy your time with your cat.