Cats are an integral part of any household. Cats have been the subject of many poems and plays. A cat enhances any household. Not all cats will be like this. The following advice will help you get along better with your cat.

Keep drape cords away from cats. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Hide the cords for safety sake.

TIP! It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age.

A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. You can even switch it out every few hours.

Flea Products

Do not use dog products on your cat. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. This is especially true of flea products. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. Make sure to separate your cat from your dog after spraying.

TIP! Small places are spots cats love to get into. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free.

The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. Keep the litter from the cat food, and avoid placing it in a busy area. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. This will keep both you and your cat happy.

Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.

If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. Therefore, try lowering your music or turning it off in order for your cat to enjoy the trip more.

TIP! Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products.

High areas are ideal for cats. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. If you don’t wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. The cat will especially enjoy it if you put a blanket on top.

Speak to your peers about your cat issues. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.

Litter Box

TIP! Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home.

Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not be taught. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.

Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.

Mix up the food you feed your cat to avoid them becoming a picky eater. 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.

TIP! You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door.

Make sure your cat is always wearing a collar with proper identification tags. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. Tags with your veterinarian’s info and your contact number should be worn. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.

Play is something that all cats need to do. No matter what age, play is common among cats and other animals. Even a mature cat that isn’t as spry anymore it still loves to play around. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.

Is there cat hair everywhere? Cats do a lot of shedding, and it helps to brush them. If your cat is shedding a lot, you should brush them more frequently. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.

TIP! Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans.

By getting your cat the shots and check-ups that it needs, you’ll be able to make sure that your cat lives as long as possible. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. Your cat is part of your family, and you should treat him as you would any other well-loved member of your household.

Nothing about being a pet owner is simple. You need to get to know your cat better so you can focus on the kind of attention it needs the most. Before long, your cat will spend more time purring and less time complaining.