Cats are amazing to watch and obviously make exceptional pets. If your life is busy, this can work to your advantage. The following article will teach you what you need to know to take good care of your pet.

Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Never let your cats play with drape cords, as they could seriously injure themselves. This could cause injury or death. Make sure drapery cords are kept back to avoid this.

TIP! If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. Put cat nip on it to attract them to it. It might take a little while, but eventually it should stop the problem.

Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Cats need to exercise and play. A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. Give them a cat tree to play with.

Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.

TIP! Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required.

Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. To keep your cat calm and collected over the course of your trip, keep the stereo low – or perhaps off entirely.

Cat Outside

Reconsider outside time for your cat. Letting your cat outside greatly increases his risk level. They may acquire fleas or much worse things. Cats can also be hunted by other animals, stolen or hit by passing vehicles. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.

TIP! Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age.

Make sure that you brush your cat’s coat often. This keeps the fur well oiled and the skin healthy. Additionally, brushing helps to expedite hair shedding. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.

High quality cat food is important to your cat. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Your cat is a carnivore, and for proper nutrition, he should have a food high in animal protein in order to keep him at his best.

Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. This may be a symptom of an infection of the urinary tract or another health problem in your cat. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.

TIP! Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous.

Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunities to play. Play is important for all mammals, even people, regardless of their age. A cats energy might fade over time, but that does not mean that it no longer likes to play. Take time to have fun with your cat.

You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. While long haired cats are soft and look great, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. Unless you’re committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.

Let your cat give birth in a large space. The birth process can last up to four hours, which means you must exercise patience. If more than five or six hours have passed, and you think that kittens still remain inside, then you must get in touch with your vet.

TIP! Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations.

Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. Never allow your cat to nibble on garlic, onions or green tomatoes. Grapes, which seem harmless enough, are also a no-no. If your cat eats these foods, he may become sick or even die. Milk is another food to stay away from.

Don’t ever let your declawed cat outdoors. Since the cat is not able to adequately defend himself from attack, there is a risk of serious injury. If your cat is an outside cat, do not have it declawed. If you do choose to have your cat declawed, only the front claws should be removed. Don’t remove the back claws. This will help ensure that your cat remains safe in case it gets outside, and back claws will not scratch any furniture.

Cats will smell changes around their home. This can cause problems when making changes in diet and surroundings. Don’t let this discourage you. As the smell of your home gets onto the items, they’ll warm up to them.

TIP! Don’t use dog portions for your cat. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog.

Dry food is best for adult cats. Kittens need some wet food because they have very small teeth. Hard, dry food is best for grown-up cats because it helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. You can also try mixing dry and wet food until you get the consistency your cat prefers.

Due to their affectionate nature, their self-reliance, and their brains, cats are excellent animal companions. All cat owners should know how to care for their cats in the best ways. Make good use of the advice you have just read to give your cat the care it needs. By following proper care, a cat can live a happy life for decades.