Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, loved by millions of people. It is important to learn as much as you can about these creatures to assure you have the best relationship possible. Read on to find out how to care for him.

Drapery Cords

TIP! Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots.

Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. This may harm or kill them. Make sure drapery cords are kept back to avoid this.

If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!

Make sure that your cat is well groomed. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. Also, this can eliminate the constant shedding that you will deal with. Cat grooming will not only keep kitty looking great, but it will also help to reduce the effort spent picking up cat hair around the home.

TIP! Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. Cats don’t like dog products.

To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.

It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats love being up high so that they can see. Give them an alternative. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.

Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via 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. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.

TIP! If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost.

Make sure your cat gets lots of love. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.

Try figuring out why the cat is purring. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. Maybe she wants to go out, or maybe she wants to eat. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. Small children don’t have the mental capacity to understand that certain activities are dangerous to the kitten. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.

Litter Box

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This is something that comes naturally and is not learned. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.

You should brush your cat very regularly. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. As an added bonus, it cuts down on loose fur. This is a good way to avoid hairballs, which are a serious health problem since they can cause choking.

TIP! Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. Keep the litter from the cat food, and avoid placing it in a busy area.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. Encouragement is a better way to get your cats to perform. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. It’s a much easier way to get the cat in.

Your cat deserves a high quality food. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. The main part of a cat’s diet should be meat protein, so his cat food should be mostly real meat.

If a cat urinates often or in odd places, it should probably go see the vet. This sort of behavior is common among cats with UTIs and other health problems. Affordable antibiotics can solve concerns that may otherwise be quite serious.

Aired Cat

Think about the extra work before buying a long-haired cat. Although it may look nice, it will look much worse when it sheds all over your home. If you don’t mind cleaning, get a long-haired cat. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.

Make sure your cat has routine check ups and vaccinations to ensure longevity and good health. It is especially important that you get good vet care for kittens so they get all the shots they need. Your cat is wonderful addition to the family, and must be cared for in the same way that you would treat all members of your household.

TIP! Cats are great pets, but little ones may not understand that they are fragile. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats.

You should now know more about having a pet cat. If left unchecked, stray cats can do a lot of damage. It takes a certain level of basic preparation and know-how to handle a cat properly. Maybe you’ll find one you fall in love with.