Cats are fascinating animals and make great pets. Cats are very independent animals, but they still need you to take good care of them. Utilize the advice that has been given to you here in order to keep your cat happy.

Groom your cat. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. This can keep them clean. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.

TIP! Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck.

Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.

Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. You can bundle loose cords together and place them inside paper towel rolls. Whenever you aren’t using any thin, electronic cords, you should store them away.

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower. Encourage them to scratch that instead. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy.

A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see what’s going on around the house. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.

You have to place a litter box correctly. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Both you and your cat will be happier.

Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming 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. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.

TIP! Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up.

Be careful as small kids may treat kittens too roughly. Make sure that you teach your children the proper way to handle a kitten or cat. Show them how to gently pick kitty up and what kinds of activities are appropriate. Cats’ bones are more fragile than those of dogs, so they need gentler treatment.

Litter Box

Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. A common misconception is to rub your cats paws into the kitty litter however this isn’t a good idea.

TIP! Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores.

You should brush your cat on a regular basis. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. It will also remove loose hair. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.

Litter Box

Never reprimand your cat for missing the litter box. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. Punishing your cat may cause him to become afraid of you or their litter box.

TIP! Cats can really scratch up your home. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower.

Carriers are great devices for you to have as a cat owner. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Place a blanket or favorite toy inside the carrier to make your cat more acclimated to the carrier. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.

Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. If your cat is not using the litter, kidney or bladder problems and infections may be the problem. If your pet stops using the litter box then see your veterinarian.

Cats are great to have as pets because they’re smart and can find things to do on their own. As a responsible cat owner, however, you must educate yourself on the proper way to care for your kitty. Read this article again and again until you have these tips memorized. Educating yourself properly will improve the quality of the time you share with your cat for both of you.