It can be very relaxing to hear a cat purring in your home. This can relax both of you. Therefore, make sure your cat is happy at all times. If you want to encourage that peaceful purring in your home, read here about some ways to foster good health and happiness in your feline companion.

To help your aging cat feel cozy, place a warmed tile under his bed. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes. Keep this underneath your cat’s resting space for extra warmth. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.

TIP! Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible.

Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.

Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.

Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. Use some paper towel rolls to tuck loose cords. The cords on electronics should be hidden as well.

TIP! Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up.

It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.

Litter Box

You have to place a litter box correctly. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Not only will your cat appreciate it but you will too.

TIP! The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic.

Do you own a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. This will help you to be sure that the animals won’t fight over the water either after they’ve eaten all their food.

You should never punish your cat for not using the litter box. Many times this occurs because the box wasn’t well maintained. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.

Drinking Fountain

Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. The drinking fountain will look more inviting than a water bowl. Cats often like the running water more than their own bowl of water. Fountains keep the water cool and clean.

Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.

TIP! Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive.

Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. Long-haired cats shed constantly, and the fur ends up on your clothing, floors, and everything else in your home. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.

Never allow your cat to be exposed to phenol chemicals. This is something that’s often in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other popular cleaners. The smell is something that cats don’t like, and it also can lead to liver damage if it is used around your cats for a long period of time.

Do not let a declawed cat outside. The cat won’t be able to fight back if other animals attack it and that could get it hurt or killed. The only cats that should be declawed are indoor cats. Remove only the front claws. Leaving the back claws is no problem since they won’t scratch your furniture or floors.

TIP! Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Spend time instructing your children on cat care.

Act fast if you cat is panting. Panting is quite normal for dogs. While excessive panting may be a symptom of anxiety, it may also be a symptom of something more serious. Be sure and make an appointment with your vet if you notice any respiratory problems with your cat.

A purring cat is a happy one, so make sure you take good care of him. Cats have qualities that no other animal can match, and the tips in this article make it easy to keep your cat in top shape. If you’d like to fill your home with the happy sounds of a contented cat, make use of the helpful advice you’ve just received.