It is hard to please a cat. At times, it can be difficult to understand what cats are thinking. However, if you have the right information, it can be easier to take care of them, even if you can’t plase them. The below article contains excellent advice on how to properly care for your cat.

You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Pin and hide drape cords to avoid this.

TIP! Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health.

A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Wrap it tightly in a towel and place it under the cat bed. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.

Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Make vet appointments immediately if your cat has a medical condition or has become injured.

Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. If your cat is especially intent on chewing cords, keep them covered as much as possible. Tuck loose cords into old toilet paper or paper towel rolls. If you have electrical cords laying out that are not being used, put them away as cats can play with them and then move on to live electrical cords.

TIP! If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens.

Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. Encourage them to scratch that instead. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.

It is a good idea to microchip your cat. You never know when your cat could get away from you. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.

Cats are partially nocturnal. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. This will keep them from attacking your toes.

TIP! It’s not easy to keep cats off counters. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them.

Your cat needs lots of affection and love. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.

Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.

Think hard before allowing your cat outside. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If your cat must be an outdoor cat, limit it to your own backyard.

TIP! Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Cats need to exercise and play. Unfortunately there are too many cat owners who don’t properly exercise their cats.

Never punish a cat for a mess outside of its box. They’re doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. Punishment can make your cat fearful in your presence.

Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. By removing the old item and replacing it with a new one, your cat may try to find another item to scratch. This could end up being furniture.

If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.

TIP! The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. Try and put it in an isolated area away from the cat bowl.

Is your home covered in your cat’s fur? Cats shed considerably; therefore, it is very important you brush them frequently. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This will make your cat’s coat nice and smooth.

If your cat is prone to regular hairballs even after brushing regularly, keep reading for some great tips that can help you out. Give your cat’s regular food an addition of pumpkin (about a teaspoon’s worth). You can also try a teaspoon of water used to pack tuna mixed with the pumpkin. Another solution may be to use a cat food that has anti-hairball properties added.

This article will provide you with useful tips on how to take good care of your pet. Use these tips so your cat will be in better health and to ensure its needs are met adequately. Your cat will be in better health and much happier if you are a good pet owner. It’s possible but not a given.