Cats are awesome pets, but they are also very finicky felines! From food preferences to vet examinations, there are many issues to overcome if you own one. This article will show you some great tips and advice about cats and what they need.

Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Therefore, ensure that drape cords are pinned away from your cat’s reach.

TIP! Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease.

Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.

Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Try using one veterinarian consistently. They’ll understand what your cat has been through.

Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the tile inside an unneeded towel and place it under your kitty’s favorite resting spot. If necessary, repeat this every few hours.

TIP! Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in.

If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.

Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can. Any loose cords should be bundled up and placed in things like paper towel rolls. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.

Most cats are very nocturnal. This means that they will usually be quite active at night. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.

TIP! Why is your cat meowing? Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. The meows may indicate hunger, happiness, or a desire to go exploring.

Make sure your cat gets lots of love. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They probably would like to feel as though they are a wanted part of the family.

Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. In long-haired cats, hairballs can result from excess grooming. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.

Create a tablecloth just for your cat. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. This makes quite a mess. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.

TIP! Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught.

Think hard before allowing your cat outside. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.

Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. There are many online forums that discuss cats. Most vets will also be happy to help you with some advice.

A battered appearance isn’t a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.

TIP! You don’t want to punish a cat if they do their business outside of their litter box. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care.

Consider buying your cat a special drinking fountain. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Cats generally respond better to a stream of water. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.

Although caring for a cat might sound easy, this is not the case. All cats need a lot of care in order to be happy and healthy. Use what you learned here to be the best you can be. Knowledge can help you have a much better relationship with your pet.