Cats are great animals and they can be a fantastic member of the family. As a cat-owner, it is crucial that you educate yourself on proper cat-care and learn everything you can to ensure that your lovable feline friend enjoys a healthy and fulfilling life. Use the tips that you’re about to read to help you provide the best care.

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. This could seriously injure or even kill them. It is highly recommended that you keep all drape cords pinned in such a way that the cat can’t see them so as to prevent any accidents.

TIP! Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.

It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. You can remedy this by creating some place up high that you can can enjoy hanging out in. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.

Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.

TIP! Good grooming is important for cats. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing.

Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Check the label. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.

Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.

You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.

Litter Box

Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. 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.

As was stated earlier, cats are a wonderful choice for a pet. To make sure your cat is happy and healthy, learn all you can. Keep these tips in mind as you take care of your cat. Use this information to keep your cat happy and healthy.