It isn’t always easy to make a cat happy. Sometimes, it is very difficult to really figure out your pet and his desires. Fortunately, if you educate yourself, you can better care for them. Read the following tips to find out everything there is to know about a cat.

Keep drape cords away from cats. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This could really hurt or possibly kill them. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.

TIP! It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. They love being above everything so that they can watch it all.

Ensure your cat remains groomed. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often. Doing this frequently can help them keep their coat clean. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.

Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. If your cat is high, he can see everything that is going on. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.

It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. Nearly every vet and shelter owns a scanner which can read a microchip, and since they’re implanted, there isn’t a risk of the chip falling out or getting lost.

TIP! Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices.

Give your cat lots of attention and love. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.

Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.

Mix up the food you feed your cat to avoid them becoming a picky eater. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.

TIP! If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume.

Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Avoid brands that use non-meat fillers like corn. Cats are naturally carnivorous. If you want to keep them healthy and happy, you need to feed them plenty of animal protein.

Litter Box

Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won’t smell it. However, if you hide it from your pet he might not try very hard to find it when he needs to go to the bathroom. To satisfy a cat’s demanding requirements, the litter box needs to be sited somewhere convenient and comfortable. Keeping litter boxes on cement floors that are cold can be remedied by placing a rug or mat under it.

TIP! When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Make sure that you let your kids know which areas of the house the cat will be allowed in.

Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Not unlike kids, kittens require vaccinations and check ups every so often so that they do not get sick. Your cat will be a part of your home and that means it should be treated as good as you would treat a family member.

Dogs wag tails out of joy. Cats also exhibit this tail-wagging behavior, but the message is different. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If you notice you cat begin to wag his tail when you are holding him, put him down to be sure you are not scratched or swatted.

Do not give cat medications intended for humans. If they have health issues, see a vet and give them what they provide. You could unintentionally kill your beloved pet if you use medications designed for humans.

TIP! Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. By feeding the cat the same kind of food over and over again, they become used to that specific food.

If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Dogs normally do pant. Panting sometimes means your cat might be overheated or perhaps anxious, but it also can sometimes mean something even more serious. Talk to a vet right away when panting persists.

If you got a cat during a period of joblessness and are now re-entering the workforce, you should watch out for possible attachment issues. One tried-and-true way to keep a cat from getting lonely is to pair it up with another cat.

The advice you’ve read can help you care for your cat. These tips will allow you to ensure that your cat is healthy and taken care of. Your cat just might start playing nice! Well…maybe.