Cats are always looking to be occupied when they aren’t napping. A bored cat is likely to scratch up tables and furniture and climb up your curtains. In order to combat this, you need to be knowledgeable on cats’ behavior. Learn more about this and many other tips in this article.

Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. Do not let your cat play with these. If the cords are in loops and the cat jumps into them or plays with them, they could possibly get them caught around their neck. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.

TIP! If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. These are not great play toys for cats.

Avoid using dog products on cats. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Dog flea prevention products will kill your cat. If your dog has been treated for fleas, keep him away from your cat for at least three hours.

Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. The majority of veterinarians possess scanners that can read your chips. Because these chips are placed underneath your cat’s skin, they won’t get lost.

Most cats prefer to be mostly nocturnal. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night. Try closing the door if your cats are keeping you awake at night. Your cat will not bother you in the middle of the night if this area is off limit.

TIP! Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required.

Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.

Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Spend time instructing your children on cat care. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cats should be handled more gently since their bones are more fragile than those of dogs.

Try figuring out why the cat is purring. Once you become familiar with your cat and its needs, it will become easier to determine what he needs when he meows. They may want outside or may be hungry. When you understand what each type of behavior indicates, you can improve your relationship.

Cat Owners

You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you’re having problems with your pet. Although you might want to take care of things on your own, advice from other people with cats can be a big help. Participate in online discussion boards for cat owners, or pick up the telephone and speak with your vet.

You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. Certain techniques, such as rubbing the paws of your cat in the litter could actual traumatize your cat.

TIP! Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can.

Brush your pet often. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.

Consider getting your cat a fountain to drink from. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Normally, cats much prefer water that comes out in a stream. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. A fountain will give them the same effect, and it is more environmentally friendly.

Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. Just like children, a kitten needs to have immunizations and wellness checks periodically to avoid disease and other health problems later in life. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.

TIP! Your furnishings and belongings can easily be ruined by a cat’s claws. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home.

Put a collar on the cat that lists your name, address, and phone number on it. This should be done even with an indoors cat. The animal could get out. Don’t take any chances; make sure your pet has the proper identification so he is returned to you.

Felines can be bundles of energy, and when you need to focus it, choose a favorite toy. Keep your cats from tearing up your belongings. Use the advice in this article to help pick out toys for your cat so that they don’t become bored and bother your own personal items.