Cats are a popular pet for millions, and they deserve love and proper care. If you own a cat and want to give it a great life, you need to do your research. This article has lots of useful cat tips.

Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. Try using one veterinarian consistently. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.

TIP! If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. If that doesn’t work, cover those cords up however you can. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you’re not using them.

A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.

Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.

TIP! Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots.

Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.

If you want to let your cat outside, think again. Cats come to harm outside every day. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. They might get injured by some other animals, vehicles, or people. Let your cat go out in your backyard and play on your lawn.

Litter Box

TIP! You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords.

You should never punish your cat for not using the litter box. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. If you get mad, they’ll never use the box again.

If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. They’re trying to tell you something is wrong. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.

Play is something that all cats need to do. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. Even older cats like to play. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.

TIP! A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side.

There is a lot of responsibility involved with a long-haired cat. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. If you can handle the extra grooming and cleaning time, then a long haired cat might be a good choice for you. Long-haired cats also often have hairballs.

Dogs let you know when they are excited and/or happy when they wag their tails. Cats wag or move their tails from side to side as well, but not for the reasons dogs do. Tail-wagging is usually a sign that your cat is considering attacking or fleeing. If you’re holding the cat and their tail begins wagging, they should be put down so that you don’t get scratched or hit.

Some foods are not permissible to serve to your cat. Examples of problem foods include garlic, green tomatoes, onions and grapes. They can really hurt a cat if ingested. Dairy, including milk, is also not a good thing to give your cat.

TIP! When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of.

Cats will smell changes around their home. This is why it is sometimes difficult to get them to use something new, like a bowl or cat toy. You should give your cat time to adjust to new items in his world. When your cat becomes more comfortable, he or she will adjust.

If your schedule has changed recently, leaving your cat alone for long periods of time, you may find that your cat will seem lonely or lethargic. To ensure they’ll stay happy while you’re out of the house, you should consider getting a second cat.

Try and incorporate dry food into your cats diet. Kittens need some wet food because they have very small teeth. As they grow older, dry foods ensure that their teeth are strong. Dry food and wet food can also be mixed together for a really finicky cat.

Proper Care

Cats are great pets, but they need proper care. As a responsible cat owner, take the time to read through this article a few times and utilize all of the great cat care information that it contains. With the proper care, your cat can enjoy a great life.