A cat can be powerful, beautiful and extremely bright, compared to other domestic pets. There’s a reason so many families choose to welcome cats, and that cats are present in great numbers in virtually every human community. Learning to live indoors with these animals is a new challenge entirely. They’re powerful, smart, and agile, which makes them hard-headed. You’ll need advanced techniques to deal with them.

Drape Cords

TIP! Ensure your cat remains groomed. Cats require frequent brushing or combing.

Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This could hurt or kill them. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.

Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. Put a breakaway collar on instead. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.

If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens. Spaying a cat can prevent this.

TIP! Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due.

Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. Keep your cat away from your puppy after treating it with some flea products.

Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. If you own electronic devices with thin cords, you should keep them out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them.

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This is something that comes naturally and is not learned. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.

TIP! Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs.

You should brush your cat very regularly. This helps spread out the cat’s natural oils in their fur and stimulates blood flow in the skin. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. Brushing eliminates the formation of hairballs which may choke your cat and lead to buildup of excess hair in the abdomen when the cat grooms himself.

Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. They need positive reinforcement. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.

TIP! Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Cats need play and exercise.

Keep a collar with ID on your cat. This is essential even for indoor cats. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.

Does your home feel inundated with balls of cat fur? Cats shed a lot, so it is important to brush them often. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. Brushing is a good way to keep your cat’s coat from getting matted and tangled.

Litter Box

TIP! Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night.

Be mindful of where you place the litter box. Many cat owners feel inclined to hide the litter box. This litter box must stay in an easy-to-find spot for your cat. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. If the littler box is on cold, hard floor, try placing a rug beneath it.

Do your best to keep your cat as healthy as possible and take it to the vet regularly. It is especially important that you get good vet care for kittens so they get all the shots they need. Your cat is part of your family, and you should treat him as you would any other well-loved member of your household.

Cats will smell changes around their home. This is good but can cause issues when you introduce something new to the home, like a new cat bed or scratching post. Don’t fret if your cat doesn’t use the items right away. As the new items starts to smell like your house, your cat may give it a try.

TIP! The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas.

After you read these tips, you will be able to outsmart your cat easily. Your cat will soon learn where it’s allowed to go, along with where not to go. Unlike with dogs, training a cat isn’t a simple matter, but most cats do end up being well-behaved in the end.