A cat is a cherished member of the family. Since this is the case, you owe it to your feline friend to be a responsible owner and protect it from dangers like infections and parasites. They can really affect a cat’s well being. Read on for some of the best methods for keeping pests off your cats.

Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. Pin the cords of your drapes up where your cat can’t get to them.

TIP! If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Never let your cats play with drape cords, as they could seriously injure themselves.

If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Bake a one-foot tile made from terra cotta in the oven at 200 degrees F for around 15 to 20 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. If possible, re-heat several times throughout the night.

It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. If you place a cat tower around the kitchen area, they may be less likely to lay on your counters.

TIP! When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats.

You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.

Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!

Litter Box

TIP! Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease.

Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.

Acclimate your cat to its carrier. Cats do not respond in the same way dogs do to punishment. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. In time, the cat will head inside and be happy. A cat who is used to a carrier will not mind traveling, meaning it will be a much less stressful experience for them.

Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. They may swat at each other or hiss; that’s nothing to be concerned about. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.

TIP! If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.

There is a lot of responsibility involved with a long-haired cat. The hair may be a gorgeous thing to behold, but it will require a lot of maintenance. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.

Take notice if and when your cat ever stops conducting their business in their litter box. There are a number of medical issues that can cause your cat to suddenly stop using their box. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.

Some foods that you enjoy as a human aren’t any good for your cat. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes. Even a little taste of these foods can make your cat seriously sick. In addition, milk can also upset your cat’s stomach.

TIP! Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. Cats who love to chew need to be kept away from cords.

Don’t use chemicals near your cat that have phenol. Lysol, for example, has many harmful agents that can harm your cat. The smell offends cats, and it can lead to prolonged illnesses.

Cats have a great sense of smell, which allows them to be more perceptive. This is why it is sometimes difficult to get them to use something new, like a bowl or cat toy. Don’t let this discourage you. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they’ll be more interested in the new object.

If you worry about your cat getting rabies, fleas or getting exposure to fungus, don’t allow them to go outside. While some of these issues can affect a cat that stays in the house, they are more likely to experience this issues if they spend a lot of time outside.

TIP! Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post.

Cats can acquire parasites, despite good quality care. Such pests can linger if untreated. Prevention is often the key to successful treatment. This will make life happier for your cat and you, too.