Cats are a very unique animal to own. Their independence makes them perfect if you are not always at home due to a busy schedule. Use what you will learn here to make sure your cat has a enjoyable and healthy life.

Groom your cat. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.

TIP! Make sure your cat is always well groomed. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly.

Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.

Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. The cords on electronics should be hidden as well.

Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.

TIP! Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on.

Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Choose a low magnesium food. Consult the ingredient list. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.

Cat Outside

Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. There are many dangers to your cat outside. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.

TIP! Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy.

Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.

Unlike most humans, cats love heights. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. Additionally, you can place a bed or blanket in this space.

Cat Owners

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost.

You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you’re having problems with your pet. You may try to handle it yourself, but you might need input from other cat owners. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.

You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.

If your cat does not use the litter box, do not use punishments to try to discipline him. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. If your punish your car, he or she is just going to become scared of you.

TIP! Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post.

Cats are intelligent, loving and independent, and they can be a great pet. When you’re well educated, your cat will be happy. Remember the included information and you can be the best cat owner imaginable. This way, your cat can enjoy a fun and fulfilling life.