Cats usually make their owners very happy. You also have to realize that having your own cat is hard work. Cat owners need to know of the responsibilities that come with having a feline. Read here about which responsibilities you will be taking on. Keep on reading for excellent information on caring for your pet.

Drape Cords

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee.

Don’t let your cat near drape cords. These are not great play toys for cats. They can wrap around a cat’s neck pretty easily. It may actually cause them some serious harm. It is highly recommended that you keep all drape cords pinned in such a way that the cat can’t see them so as to prevent any accidents.

Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. Change it frequently if you like.

If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. Having your cat spayed is the only way to 100 percent prevent accidental litters.

TIP! Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe.

Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Your cat can die if you use a dog flea product on it. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.

It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. They love to be able to look around from up high. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. If you don’t want your cats to jump on your counters, you can put a cat condo in or around the kitchen.

Get a microchip for your cat. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Nearly all veterinarians and shelters now have scanners capable of reading the information on these chips, and since they are under the skin, there is no chance of the chip getting lost.

Cat Bowl

Create a tablecloth just for your cat. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. That means you will have to tidy up the food left beside the cat bowl. An easier way to do that is to either buy a placemat and put it underneath the cat bowl, or to cut a bit of fabric to use as a tablecloth that you can pick up and wash or shake over the garbage can.

Are you a cat and dog owner? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.

TIP! Normally cats are nocturnal animals. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night.

Cats create years of enjoyment for the families who own them. Pets are good for kids and adults. If you desire for your cat to benefit from a long life, proper care must be provided. If the thought of having a cat has crossed your mind, use the given information.