If you’re not used to cats because you’ve never had one, then you need to learn a few things first. However, caring for a cat can be difficult if you are not well-informed about proper cat care. Dealing with this issue costs businesses a lot of money due to lost customers.

Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. To stop this from happening, pin your drapes and hide them out of sight.

TIP! Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products.

Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. This can keep your cat alive.

If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty’s favorite resting spot. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.

If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Spaying a cat can prevent this.

TIP! You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

Cats will be up during the night more often than not. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. Close the door to prevent the noise from getting to you. This will keep them from pouncing on you and trying to play in the middle of the night.

Watch kittens around kids. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.

TIP! Cats spend lots of time grooming themselves. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs.

Brush your cat’s fur regularly. Brushing spreads natural oils throughout a cat’s fur, and also helps stimulate blood flow in their skin. Additionally, brushing helps to expedite hair shedding. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.

Litter Box

If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. 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.

TIP! High areas are ideal for cats. To keep your cat happy, offer him a spot of his own up high where he can survey his kingdom.

Purchase high quality food for your cat. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Don’t feed your cat food that includes corn or other fillers. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.

Does it feel like your home is overrun with your cat’s hair? Brushing your cat regularly can fight the constant shedding that often can occur. The more a cat sheds, the moor they should be properly brushed. This will also help their coat from getting tangled or matted.

Avoid any products containing phenol around your cats. Lysol and Pine-Sol are two examples of products that contain this chemical. The smell offends cats, and it can lead to prolonged illnesses.

TIP! You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you’re having problems with your pet. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others.

Don’t give your cat medicine intended for humans. If your cat is ill, you need to take him to the vet to get proper treatment. Pets that have taken human medications face serious injury or worse.

If you are lucky enough to have a cat that has a lot of hairballs, and brushing doesn’t seem to be helping to lessen them, then the following tips might help. Use pumpkin in your cat’s food to help with digestion. You may also use some tuna packing water to mix with your pumpkin. Your hairball concerns can also be addressed with specially-formulated cat food. Many blends include extra fiber to prevent hairball formation.

If your cat was adopted while you were not working, your cat will get lonely when you go back to work. If you want to keep them from getting bored while you are away from home, you should think about getting another cat.

TIP! You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not be taught.

You are now ready to protect your home and pets from feral cats. A cat can be a constant companion or just a decent neighbor – if you know how to treat it right. Of course, cats are still sensitive animals and should be handled with care! Now that you’ve read this article, you are more knowledgeable on how to deal with all cats.