Cat ownership can be joyful and rewarding. You also have to realize that having your own cat is hard work. A responsible cat owner is a well-informed cat owner. This article list some tips and responsibilities that a good cat owner should know. Keep reading to discover more ideas for good pet care.

Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.

TIP! If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. 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. Then, wrap this up into a towel and place it underneath your cat’s bed. Change it out every few hours if you feel the need.

Get a microchip for your cat. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.

Cat medications can be bought affordable online. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.

TIP! Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. A kitty tower can really save your furniture.

When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.

Brush your cat’s coat often. This keeps the fur well oiled and the skin healthy. It also loosens hair that is about ready to fall out. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.

Litter Box

TIP! You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food.

Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. Your cat will become afraid of you if you punish it or scold it too often.

To avoid having a picky cat, switch up the kinds of foods you give him. If you feed them only one type of food, they may refuse to eat anything else. However, stick with the same brand, and just vary the flavors because cats can have stomach problems if you vary the food too much.

As you read, having a pet cat can be very beneficial. However, if you want your cat to live a long and happy life, you have to take proper care of it. Apply what you’ve learned here, if you’re thinking of adding a cat to your life.