Cat ownership is an adventure with countless rewards. It does take a lot of work to own a cat, though. If you own a cat, there are a number of things you should know about. Luckily, the article below will illustrate exactly what those responsibilities are. Keep reading to discover some great tips on caring for your feline companions.

Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Put it inside a cloth and place underneath your feline’s blanket or bed. When the tile cools down, change it out for a fresh, warm one.

TIP! If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home.

When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant. If you want to prevent this, spay your cat.

Electrical Cords

Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. If you have electrical cords laying out that are not being used, put them away as cats can play with them and then move on to live electrical cords.

TIP! It’s often cheaper to buy medicine for your cat on the Internet instead of through your vet. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance.

Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. A kitty tower can really save your furniture. Teach your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.

Make sure your cat gets lots of love. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.

Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.

TIP! Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds.

Regularly brush your cat’s hair. This will spread a cat’s oils from their fur and help blood flow from within their skin. It can also reduce the amount of loose hair they have. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.

Litter Box

If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. If you punish the cat, it may shy away from you at future times.

TIP! Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. This could be harmful and unsafe.

Invest in a cat friendly fountain. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Normally, cats much prefer water that comes out in a stream. Many cats prefer running water over their water dish. A fountain will allow your cat to have the happiness of drinking from running water.

Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. There are conditions that will cause a kitty to do this. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. If your pet stops using the litter box then see your veterinarian.

When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. The birth of the kittens will take approximately four hours, so use a little patience. If more than five or six hours have passed, and you think that kittens still remain inside, then you must get in touch with your vet.

TIP! Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet.

As you read, having a pet cat can be very beneficial. If you want them to live a happier and longer life, however, you must care for them properly. Apply what you’ve learned here, if you’re thinking of adding a cat to your life.