Cats are kind of like humans because they need to be fed and taken care of properly. If they don’t, your cat runs the risk of becoming obese or malnourished. Continue reading to learn more about cat care.

Drape Cords

TIP! Good grooming is important for cats. A cat’s fur must be brushed or combed on a regular basis.

Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This could hurt or kill them. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.

You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.

Remember to take care of your cat’s ears if you travel with him. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears. To ensure your cat’s trip is pleasant, turn off the music or keep the volume low.

TIP! If you have an outdoor cat, be sure he or she has a tagged collar. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost.

Reconsider outside time for your cat. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

Litter Box

Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.

TIP! 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.

Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. Your cat will become afraid of you if you punish it or scold it too often.

You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. If you feed them the same cat food every day, they may not accept anything else. This makes it difficult to find food they’ll eat when a store runs out of a certain brand, or you are traveling.

If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. It’s in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape.

Treat your cat to a good quality cat food. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. Any foods with non-protein sources, such as corn, should be avoided. Cats are meant to eat meat, and that means that they need to have foods that are high in protein.

Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. Sooner or later, they’ll tolerate and even begin to love each other.

Every cat loves to have lots of play time. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.

TIP! Most cats prefer to be mostly nocturnal. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night.

Is there cat hair everywhere? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. You should brush your cat quite a bit of they are prone to shedding. Brushing is a good way to keep your cat’s coat from getting matted and tangled.

Keeping your cat up to date on vaccinations and annual check ups can keep your cat in good health and provide a longer life. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. Your cat is a member of your family, so treat them like any valued member of your home.

The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. Onions, garlic, grapes and green tomatoes are among these foods. Your cat can get very sick from eating these foods. Dairy, including milk, is also not a good thing to give your cat.

TIP! The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals.

Your cat needs a healthy diet. If it doesn’t get enough of the right foods, or gets a lot of the wrong ones, your pet will be less healthy and may live a shorter life. Do right by your cat and make sure it has a healthy diet.