One of the most unique animals is a cat. Cats are extremely smart and independent; however, they can also be very loving, which makes them an ideal pet. But, cat care is not always simple. You should go over this article to learn more about the different things you can do to take care of your cat.

Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This could really hurt or possibly kill them. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.

TIP! Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. You should not allow your cat to play with drape cords since they could end up with the cord wrapped around their neck.

You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.

A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. One way to combat this behavior is to proved your cat with an elevated place it is okay to climb on. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off the counter.

Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.

TIP! If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters have great pets available for adoption, and the fee isn’t that high.

The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.

Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Choose a cat food with low magnesium content. Read the label on any food you choose. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.

Create a tablecloth just for your cat. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. This may make a big mess that you need to clean up. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.

TIP! Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need.

If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors. Cats can become infected with fleas, ticks and ringworm. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.

Cats like to be up high. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.

Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.

TIP! If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. 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.

Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.

Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. It’s in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.

Litter Box

TIP! Most cats are nocturnal. They get very active at night.

Pay attention to your cat’s litter box habits. If it stops using the box, medical problems could be to blame. There are a number of health issues that can lead a well-trained cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. Consult with your veterinarian when your cat refuses to use its litter box.

Dogs will show a lot of enthusiasm through their tail when their owner comes back home. Cats also exhibit this tail-wagging behavior, but the message is different. When a cat wags its tail, it can mean that it is conflicted or that it is trying to decide if it should run away from a situation or attack. If this happens while your cat is in your arms, put him down as soon as possible.

Cats are neat animals. If you learn as much about them as possible, they also make great pets. You should go over this article and learn more about how you can take care of your pet. Use these tips to ensure your cat is healthy and happy.