It is important to take good care of your cat. Cats have special needs regarding grooming. Cats have special requirements, and you must be prepared to make certain accommodations for their care. Look at this article for cat grooming tips to improve your cat’s appearance.

Drapery Cords

TIP! Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Whenever cats jump on these cords, they might get tangled up in them.

Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This could kill them. Make sure drapery cords are kept back to avoid this.

Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. This can save all “nine” of your cat’s lives.

Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.

TIP! Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost.

Cats are partially nocturnal. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.

Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!

Why is your cat meowing? Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. Understand your cat’s preferences, and you’ll be that much better off.

TIP! Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home.

Get your cat used to a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Put their favorite toy and blanket in a carrier. Leave it somewhere they always go to. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.

Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. If you throw it away too soon, that cat may look to your furniture for some clawing while it slowly breaks in a new scratching post.

Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying. Ensure that an animal protein source, including fish, chicken, or beef, is the main ingredient. The foods to avoid are those with a large amount of corn and low amounts of protein. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.

TIP! Cats frequently groom themselves. In long-haired cats, hairballs can result from excess grooming.

If you just own one cat but are considering obtaining another one, then you should ensure you allow a few weeks for your old cat and new one to become familiar with each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. After the initial period though, they should start to settle and begin to get along like old friends.

Litter Box

Make sure you consider where you are going to place the cat’s litter box. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. Make sure that your cat can get to its litter box very easily. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. If the littler box is on cold, hard floor, try placing a rug beneath it.

TIP! Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey.

Never use chemicals that have phenol in it near your cat. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Cats hate the smell of phenol and continuously exposing them to it could cause liver problems later in their lives.

Don’t send a declawed cat outdoors for long periods of time. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Indoor cats are the only type of cat that needs to be declawed. Remove only the front claws. Leaving the back claws is no problem since they won’t scratch your furniture or floors.

You should never use medications designed for humans on your cat. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. Giving cats medication meant for humans is very dangerous and could even kill them.

TIP! You can sometimes find better prices for cat medication online than getting it from your veterinarian. Though, in emergency situations, buying online may not be possible.

If your find that your cat is panting, pay attention. Panting is completely normal in dogs. Your cat will pant if it is nervous or overheated but it could also be the sign of a more serious health problem. Call your vet, especially if you cat has a history of respiratory problems.

When your cat is properly groomed, it will look great. It is your responsibility to make sure your cat looks (and actually is!) healthy. It is likely that your cat will appreciate the efforts you have made to provide good grooming. Apply the advice in this piece, and make sure your cat is groomed regularly.