Cats are very witty, cunning, and graceful. These are just some of the things you’ll get when you decide to get a cat. However, being a cat owner comes with a lot of responsibilities. This article is filled with useful tips every cat owner should know about. So read on to discover them!

Keep drape cords away from cats. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops. This could really hurt or possibly kill them. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.

TIP! Make sure that your cat is well groomed. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing.

Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Nearly all veterinarians and shelters now have scanners capable of reading the information on these chips, and since they are under the skin, there is no chance of the chip getting lost.

Cats will be up during the night more often than not. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.

You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. For more routine situations, saving 50% by buying online is quite possible.

TIP! Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped.

Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. Cats should be handled more gently since their bones are more fragile than those of dogs.

You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. This means food spillage that you will have to clean later. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.

Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat’s food. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This will help you to be sure that the animals won’t fight over the water either after they’ve eaten all their food.

TIP! 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.

Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. Younger children cannot fully understand how to properly handle a small pet. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.

Litter Box

Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. The cat will be fearful of you if you punish it.

TIP! Be especially mindful of your cat’s ears when you take them on a trip. You may love belting out your favorite tunes as you drive on the freeway, but your cat probably enjoys softer sounds.

Feeding your cat different types of food helps ensure they don’t get finicky. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.

If possible, always choose canned cat food. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. Be sure to ask your vet about your pet’s food; however, canned food is usually the best for your cat.

If you are bringing home a new cat, make sure to give him time to adjust to your current cat. It usually takes about three weeks. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat. Therefore, they may hide, hiss, or even fight one another. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.

TIP! If you want to let your cat outside, think again. The outside world is very dangerous for cats.

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. They’re trying to tell you something is wrong. Affordable antibiotics can solve concerns that may otherwise be quite serious.

Aired Cats

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. Long-haired cats shed constantly, and the fur ends up on your clothing, floors, and everything else in your home. You should not get a cat with long-hair unless you are ready to do a lot of cleaning. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.

TIP! Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable.

You should now have some ideas you can use. You’ll be a better person for it. A well-cared for cat is much happier where you can both can enjoy a better relationship. Experiment with these tips and see for yourself.