Cats have interesting personalities. Your cat might enjoy your company, but it is usually on his terms. The are often vexing, but cats can also be very satisfying as pets. These ideas can help with your cat friend.

Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.

TIP! Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. It is possible that a dog’s product could cause a serious adverse effect on a cat.

A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. Simply heat a single foot cotta tile at 200 degrees between 15 and 20 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. Change it regularly if you need to.

Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.

Get a microchip for your cat. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.

TIP! A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in.

Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. Make them feel at home.

Your cat most likely spends quite a bit of time grooming. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. To help prevent this from occurring, buy your cat special food. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.

Be careful as small kids may treat kittens too roughly. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.

TIP! It’s not easy to keep cats off counters. They love to be able to look around from up high.

Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. Under five, the child needs to be watched. Their immaturity prevents them from understanding how easily they could hurt the kitten. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.

Splurge on your cat’s food. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.

Use canned food for your cat. Food that is dry is cheaper but canned food is better for your cat’s health. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. It is easier for older cats to chew. Speak with your vet, however generally speaking, canned cat food is better for your cat.

TIP! Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat.

Play is essential to your cat’s life. Play is important for all mammals, even people, regardless of their age. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Enjoy your cat every day.

Litter Box

If your cat is refusing to use his litter box, you should try putting it in a different location. A cat’s instinct tells him that eliminating puts him in a vulnerable state, so try putting his litter box in a safe, quiet area of the house. Try placing it in a laundry room or a basement, where there is limited traffic in the home.

TIP! Create a tablecloth that your cats can use. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side.

There are certain foods that you might eat everyday that are not healthy for your cat. Some of these foods include garlic, grapes, onions and green tomatoes. Your cat can get sick after eating these foods. Milk can also upset your cats’ stomach.

Your cat should be kept inside whenever it can be near the person who owns it. Cats who stay inside for most of their lives have a much better life span and are less likely to get diseases and parasites. Outdoor cats can be attacked by other animals and exposed to many harmful influences. Play with your cat daily to give it adequate exercise.

Cats are often hard to understand, but they still make wonderful pets. Use the ideas in this piece to get the most of your relationship. By properly caring for your cat, you can help ensure that he is a happy cat.