Cats must be occupied when they aren’t asleep. A bored cat is likely to scratch up tables and furniture and climb up your curtains. The best way to prevent this is with cat toys. Learn from this article about how to properly care for your feline friend.

Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping. One way to deal with a kitten’s playful activity at night is just to shut your door. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.

TIP! If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats.

Create a tablecloth that your cats can use. Cats often like to remove food from their bowl to eat it off to the side. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.

Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.

Why is your cat meowing? Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. You should pay attention to these cues and you will eventually learn to decipher them.

TIP! Keep your cat properly groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat.

Try not to let your cat go outside. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. Cats can become infected with fleas, ticks and ringworm. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If you think your pet needs to go outside, think about enclosing a back patio with metal mesh or some type of heavy screen to keep your cat inside, yet allow them to experience the outdoors.

Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. While some folks think you should pick up your cat and place their paws against the litter, this can actually be traumatic.

TIP! To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch.

Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. This is very important for indoor cats. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.

If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. They may fight with each other initially. But, eventually, they will get used to the idea, and begin to tolerate, and even enjoy, each other’s company.

If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. A quick course of antibiotics can head off dangerous complications if you get your cat diagnosed and treated early enough.

TIP! Spay your female cat. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day.

Make sure play time is an important part of your cat’s life. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Older cats might not be quite as energetic as they used to be, but light play can still be fun for them. Take time and play with your cat regularly.

Aired Cat

There is a lot of responsibility involved with a long-haired cat. That hair will truly get everywhere! Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.

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.

Does it seem like your cat’s hairs are everywhere you look? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. If your cat sheds a lot, you probably need to brush it more often. This also prevents matting and tangling.

If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. For example, the behavior may be caused by an infection of the kidneys or bladder. Consult with your veterinarian when your cat refuses to use its litter box.

When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. Since there are so many kittens, the birthing process can take a few hours. If the birth takes an excessively long time or you believe a kitten is stuck inside, an immediate visit to the veterinary hospital is essential.

TIP! Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. They give lots of affection and need some in return.

You should always try to keep your cat in your home as much as you can. Research has shown that indoor cats have longer life spans than outdoor cats. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.

Felines can be bundles of energy, and when you need to focus it, choose a favorite toy. Providing distractions for your cats will ensure that they have a happy life. Take some of this article’s toy recommendations into consideration and keep your cat away from your favorite items.