There is a quote by a famous author that broke down how important cats are. He said that cats were designed in a way that a home depends on them, and that is a true statement in a way. A cat is often a valuable member of the family, especially if it is healthy and happy. There are, however, many reports of cats being difficult and temperamental. The tips below will help you enjoy your cat as much as possible.

Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. The advantage to a breakaway type collar is that if enough pressure is put on it, it will just let go rather than strangle the cat. This will help you save your cat’s life.

TIP! Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care.

Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. If necessary, change this out every few hours.

If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.

Flea Products

TIP! Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered.

You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. Flea products are a great example of this. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.

Cats can really scratch up your home. You need to get a scratching post or a cat tower to prevent your cat from ruining your furniture. They can scratch this instead. It might take a little while, but eventually it should stop the problem.

The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!

TIP! You can sometimes find better prices for cat medication online than getting it from your veterinarian. There may be some cases in which you cannot buy online, such as in an emergency.

Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Cats need a social life with people just like you do with other people. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.

Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.

When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. Make sure the kids know if your cat is indoors only. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.

TIP! Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side.

Reconsider having an outdoor cat. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.

Give your cat a wide array of foods in order to prevent pickiness. Keeping the same kind of food around most of the time makes it to where they only want that specific food.

Litter Box

Make sure you consider where you are going to place the cat’s litter box. Although you may want to have the litter box hidden in a place where you won’t smell it, your cat’s needs should be before your wants. It is equally important that the litter box is readily accessible to your cat, though. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. If your litter box is on a cold surface, place a rug or mater underneath it.

Make sure you provide adequate space to a cat that is about to give birth. You need to be patient, as it will be three or four hours before all the kittens have been born. If your cat has still not given birth to all her kittens after six hours, get her to a vet right away.

TIP! You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training.

If your cat will not use the litter box, try placing it at a different spot in your home. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. Great suggestions include your basement and laundry room.

Don’t have an outdoor cat declawed. The cat is defenseless against other animals, which may lead to injury or possibly death. Indoor cats are the only ones that you should declaw. It is important to note that if you are declawing a cat, only the front claws on the cat should be removed. Allow your cat to retain their back claws which are less damaging to indoor surfaces.

Nothing about being a pet owner is simple. It doesn’t matter if your cat is energetic or totally lazy. These tips will strengthen your bond with your cat. Before long, you’ll be seeing positive changes in your cats.