When cats aren’t napping, they need to be kept occupied. When cats area alone, they can scratch everything and climb on the furniture. Prevent this from happening by investing in some cat toys. Learn about some of the best toys for cats in the following article.

You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.

TIP! Keep your drape cords away from your cats. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death.

Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. Hide those loose cords and keep them out of sight in no longer needed paper towel rolls. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.

You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.

Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. Too frequently this need is overlooked by owners. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Give them enough space to exercise in, with fun toys to keep them entertained. Be sure your cat has something they can climb and something they can scratch if they stay inside.

TIP! Spay your female cat. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy.

Most cats are very nocturnal. They are often active at nighttime. If your kittens are keeping you awake into the middle of the night, close the door to your bedroom. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.

The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. The area should also be well ventilated so that it doesn’t smell too badly. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!

Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.

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.

Think twice before letting your cat outside. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Cats can also be hunted by other animals, stolen or hit by passing vehicles. If the cat must go outside, set aside a small part of the backyard or front lawn as a place where they can go.

Do you have a cat and a dog? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.

Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. If you toss it away in favor of something newer, your cat may look for something older to scratch, and that may end up being your furniture.

TIP! Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered.

Your cat deserves a high quality food. You should check the ingredients and make sure the food you give your cat includes a healthy source of protein, such as chicken, fish or beef. Some foods contain a lot of fillers like corn products, don’t buy those. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.

Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. This is essential, even for indoor pets. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Tags that have your vet’s name and phone number are good things to put on the collar. This is crucial if your cat requires special medical attention.

It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. This may be a symptom of an infection of the urinary tract or another health problem in your cat. Affordable antibiotics can solve concerns that may otherwise be quite serious.

TIP! Cats can really scratch up your home. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower.

Put a collar on the cat that lists your name, address, and phone number on it. Your indoor pet might even get out if you leave a window open. Should this occur, your cat can be returned to you or someone can contact you with his whereabouts.

Cats can be rambunctious, and there’s no better way to address that than with toys. Stop your cats from destroying your furnishings and other items. Use the recommendations in this piece as you pick toys with which to occupy your cat.