Cats need something to keep them occupied while they aren’t napping. If your cat is left to its own devices, it may start scratching furniture and climbing on everything in sight. The best way to prevent this is with cat toys. You can find more suggestions on dealing with cats below.

Keep your cat groomed. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.

Flea Products

Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.

Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. Any electronic item not in use should be stored away where the cat can’t get to it.

TIP! Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems.

You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.

When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.

Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. This is even true for indoor cats. Cats are endlessly curious and may head out an open door or window. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.

TIP! Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due.

Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. As a matter of fact, exercise is crucial for all animals. While older cats aren’t near as energetic, they still enjoy playing often. Have as much fun time with your cat as possible.

Is your home covered in your cat’s fur? Cats shed considerably; therefore, it is very important you brush them frequently. If your cat sheds a lot, brush it a lot. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.

Litter Box

TIP! Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs.

Carefully consider where you will locate your cats’ litter box. Your first instinct will be to put it in a nook or cranny so that you won’t see or smell it. Make sure that your cat can get to its litter box very easily. It helps to make life easy for the cat, as they can be quite picky about things. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.

Let your cat give birth in a large space. Labor can last as long as four hours, so stay patient. If it’s been over 6 hours and you think there are more kittens inside, they need to see a vet immediately.

Dogs will often wag their tails to show their happiness or excitement. Cats may wag as well, but the meaning can be quite different. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. If while being held by you your cat’s tail begins to wag, you may want to put him down so that you are not scratched or hit.

TIP! Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can.

Make sure your cat’s collar has important information, such as your address, phone number and name. Even if they’re an indoor cat, they may get out. If that happens, you want to be sure that there is a way for them to make it back home.

Any chemicals that have phenol should be kept away from your cat. This type of chemical can be found in Pine-Sol, Lysol, and other types of cleaners. The smell from this chemical is disliked by cats. Also, when exposed to phenol for too long, it can cause issues with their liver.

A declawed cat should not be outdoors. The cat will have difficulty playing with other animals and may get hurt. Indoor cats are the only ones that you should declaw. Make sure that only the front claws are removed. Keep the back claws intact, since they can’t do damage to your furnishings and flooring.

TIP! If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants.

You should never give a cat medication that is for humans. If the cat is sick, you must take it to the vet. When you make the mistake of giving any type of human medication to your cat, it can kill them or cause them some other type of grave medical misfortune.

Feed dry food to your cat. Kittens need wet food, though. As they grow older, dry foods ensure that their teeth are strong. If your cat happens to be a picky eater, mix up the dry food with wet food.

Cats generally are pretty energetic, and you have to know how to get on their level to care for them. Stop your cats from destroying your furnishings and other items. Take some of this article’s toy recommendations into consideration and keep your cat away from your favorite items.