A cat is a great pet for anyone to own. If you have never had one, you should read this article before getting one. Living with a cat is rewarding but does present some responsibilities unique to the cat species. Read on for useful tips.

If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Pin the cords of your drapes up where your cat can’t get to them.

TIP! You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly.

Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. Taking a cat home with you means that a life has been saved.

Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.

Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. That’ll keep kitty safe.

TIP! A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. You should heat a terra cotta tile with your oven, at about 200 degrees, for around fifteen minutes.

Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. When the cat seems to be acting abnormally, take it to the vet immediately.

Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. To stop this from happening, make sure your cat’s food doesn’t have much magnesium in it. Read the ingredient list on the label. Avoid fish products.

Loud Music

TIP! You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window.

If you’re taking kitty on a road trip, don’t play loud music. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. Keep the music turned down or off when taking your cat on a trip.

Little kids shouldn’t be left alone near cats. Tell them how to be gentle. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.

Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. Under five, the child needs to be watched. They don’t know what harm they can do. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.

TIP! Location is key when placing a litter box. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic.

When you decide that you want a cat, it is a fantastic decision. These animals can be very loving and help you reduce your stress. That said, you must learn how to care for them correctly to live peacefully. Use the advice in this article in order to ensure that your cat lives a long and healthy life.