Cats are mysterious animals. Cats prefer to be near you most of the time. They can be difficult to understand at times, but nothing compares to a cat purring. Ahead is some great advice to bring you more joy from your cat.

Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.

TIP! Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. These are not great play toys for cats.

Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.

Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.

Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Every cat needs exercise time and play! Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Bored cats will quickly wreck your home or become obese. Therefore, ensure your cat has enough space for exercising and playing. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.

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

Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. Consult the ingredient list. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.

Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. This creates extra work since you must then clean up the leftover loose food. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.

Try to figure out why your cat makes meowing sounds. As you develop a relationship with your cat over time, it will become easier to determine why she is meowing. The meows may indicate hunger, happiness, or a desire to go exploring. Be aware of the cues your cat gives you, and the two of you will have a better relationship.

TIP! Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. If your cat has hair that’s long it could get hairballs.

Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat can pick up fleas, or worse. They can get in a fight or be hit by a car. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

Always watch a kitten around small kids. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. Younger children cannot fully understand how to properly handle a small pet. When children are over the age of five, then you should decide whether or not they are mature enough to handle a kitten.

Cats aren’t easy to understand, but they sure are loving. Take what you’ve just learned to heart. Cats have a knack for raising people’s spirits, and that goes double when they are cared for properly.