Famous poet T.S Elliot. T.S. Eliot stated cats make a home and there is evidence that this opinion is well-deserved. A cat who is healthy and behaves well can be a great companion, and he can be an asset to any home. Sadly, cats can be difficult to live with sometimes. You should keep reading to learn how you can become a better pet owner.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.

TIP! Keep your cat properly groomed. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently.

Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. Tuck loose cords into old toilet paper or paper towel rolls. 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.

Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything. You may be able to battle this issue by giving your cat a high place to chill. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.

Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Teach your children how to handle a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.

TIP! If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy.

Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. You should create a feeding space for the cat that is much too high for a dog to get to. That also means they don’t fight about water after eating the food.

Cats enjoy being in high places. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.

Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.

TIP! You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being.

Never reprimand your cat for missing the litter box. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.

You cat will not be likely to be a finicky eater if you vary the type of food you are feeding from time to time. This will ensure that your cat gets a taste of many different foods.

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. This sort of behavior is common among cats with UTIs and other health problems. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.

TIP! Give your cat plenty of love and affection. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner.

Play is an important part of a cat’s life. All mammals love to play. A cats energy might fade over time, but that does not mean that it no longer likes to play. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.

Litter Box

Take notice if and when your cat ever stops conducting their business in their litter box. This could be a side effect of a health problem. These problems are generally related to the kidneys and/or bladder. If your pet stops using the litter box then see your veterinarian.

TIP! If you’re taking kitty on a road trip, don’t play loud music. While you may like some good tunes, your cat is going to appreciate other things.

Try moving your litter box somewhere else if the cat won’t use it. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.

Outfit your cat with a tag and collar containing your address, phone number, and name. This should be done even with an indoors cat. The animal could get out. If that happens, you want to be sure that there is a way for them to make it back home.

Some foods are not permissible to serve to your cat. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic and green tomatoes. These foods will cause indigestion or much worse for your cat. Milk upsets a cat’s stomach, too.

TIP! Younger children can be a little rough with cats sometimes. Tell them how to be gentle.

A declawed cat should not be outdoors. Since the cat is not able to adequately defend himself from attack, there is a risk of serious injury. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. Even then, you should only have the front claws removed. The back claws are left because these won’t scratch your furniture or floors.

Cats get some illnesses that we do. You will probably be able to tell if your cat isn’t at 100 percent. A trip to the vet is worth the time and money in these cases. The veterinarian can rule out any serious conditions.

You may want to avoid treating your feline with table scraps. People food is not an appropriate diet for cats, both because of the ingredients and the manner in which food is cooked. Egg, chicken, beef or fish are good options for a cat. Abiding by feeding instructions for your cat’s weight and age completes the diet.

TIP! Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. The more time you spend with your cat, the better you’ll understand what its meows mean.

Cat ownership can be challenging at times, but it is always rewarding. Whether your cat jumps around the house or prefers to lie around sleeping all day, this tips will help you improve the relationship between you and your feline friend. You’ll have your cat purring in no time.