When it comes to owning a great pet, you can’t go wrong with a cat. If you haven’t owned a cat previously, then you definitely need to keep reading. The tips that follow regarding owning a cat are truly priceless.

Drape Cords

TIP! Cats are curious by nature, which can end up getting them into trouble. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck.

Move any drape cords out of a cat’s reach. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This could hurt or kill them. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.

Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health. Try to stick with one vet during the life of your pet. They will learn your cat’s history best.

Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees. Keep the tile in the oven for about 15 minutes. You should wrap it with a towel and place it under the bed your cat uses. Change it frequently if you like.

TIP! Take your cat to the vet every year. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots.

Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots. If a condition, illness, or injury happens, your cat should be taken to the vet immediately.

A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. Some required information on the tag would be the cat’s name and your personal phone number.

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. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you’re not using them.

TIP! Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away.

Keep your cat amused. Cats need to exercise and play. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Boredom can beget illness. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.

You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. When your cat is a member of the family, their sounds start to become familiar to you. This makes it easy to determine what various meows might mean. It could be she’s hungry or needs to go outside. Understand your cat’s preferences, and you’ll be that much better off.

Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. Cats can be very curious and they may escape out of a door or a window. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.

TIP! Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home.

When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. They may seem like they’re fighting all the time. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.

Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. A change in where or how a cat urinates can signal a UTI or other health problem. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.

Litter Box

TIP! Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats require physical activity.

Pay attention to your cat’s litter box habits. If it stops using the box, medical problems could be to blame. A common sign that a cat has a medical condition is failure to use the bathroom in the litter box. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, get him to a vet for a visit.

If you have a pregnant cat ready to birth her babies, be sure she has enough space. The birth process can last up to four hours, which means you must exercise patience. If you suspect that there are more kittens inside your cat and it has been six hours of labor or more, you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.

Put a collar around your cats neck that contains your name, address, and number. This is also true for indoor cats. It is possible that the animal might accidentally venture out of your home. If this occurs, you should ensure you do all you can to get your cat back.

TIP! Put the litter box in an ideal location. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food.

Choosing a cat as your pet is wonderful. They are good companions. However, caring for them properly is vital to their long term life and happiness. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your cat will enjoy each other for years to come.