The poet T.S. Cats have been the subject of many poems and plays. A cat is often a valuable member of the family, especially if it is healthy and happy. Not all cats will be like this. The tips below will help you enjoy your cat as much as possible.

Drape Cords

TIP! Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay.

Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This could really hurt or possibly kill them. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.

Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. Such practices help keep cats’ coats clean. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.

It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. This also allows the vet to become more familiar with your cat’s unique health needs and personality.

TIP! If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you.

Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!

Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away. Cats who love to chew need to be kept away from cords. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. Electronics with thin cords must be put out of reach when they aren’t being used.

It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. Cats love being up high so that they can see. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.

TIP! Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly.

Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Look over the label. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.

If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. They don’t want to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.

Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. This habit means you will end up with cat food on the floor to clean up. Use a placemat under your cat’s bowl or cut some fabric to create a small tablecloth. Shake the placemat or cloth over the garbage regularly.

TIP! While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Spend time instructing your children on cat care.

Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. If they only eat the same food, they may never eat another food in the future.

If you want to buy a second cat, prepare for some time where the cats will be familiarizing themselves with each other. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. Give them a bit more time to begin to get used to each other face to face, too.

Litter Box

TIP! Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. You should keep your cat food away from the dog.

Make sure you consider where you are going to place the cat’s litter box. You may really want to hide that box from everyday life. However, your cat’s litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. Cats can be picky, so you should be sure that you put its litter box in a spot that isn’t difficult to access or unpleasant in some other way. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.

Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. When cats are suffering from something, they may end up going to the restroom randomly outside of their box. Some common issues are bladder and kidney problems. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.

It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. Cats that stay indoors tend to live a lot longer because they’re not exposed to the elements outside of the home. A cat that is properly exercised indoors won’t be at high risk of attack or disease like cats that remain outdoors.

TIP! Carriers are great devices for you to have as a cat owner. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs.

Cat ownership can be challenging at times, but it is always rewarding. These tips will improve your relationship no matter what type of cat you own. You’ll better your relationship in no time.