A cat can be hard to please. From the time they sashay into your home, they can be a mystery. However, with the right information, you can ensure your cat is properly cared for. Read on for ideas and insights for caring for your feline friend.

Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Make sure drapery cords are kept back to avoid this.

TIP! Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard.

Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help. Adoption fees often include things like spaying or neutering them, shots or other vet care. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. A collar that will breakaway is the best idea for safety. This could help save your cat if it gets caught in a tight spot.

If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.

TIP! If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out.

A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. It might take a little while, but eventually it should stop the problem.

Don’t allow your cat become bored. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime. Sadly, many cat owners do not understand the importance of this. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.

Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.

TIP! It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats don’t like dog products.

Cats are great pets, but little ones may not understand that they are fragile. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.

High areas are ideal for cats. To keep your cat happy, offer him a spot of his own up high where he can survey his kingdom. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.

If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. You can find online cat forums to ask questions, or you can speak with your vet.

Litter Box

You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.

Buy your cat a fountain to drink from. This will make things more comfortable and homey for your cat. Cats seem to like a water stream better. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. A fountain will give them the same effect, and it is more environmentally friendly.

TIP! Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food.

Your cat should be given food from a can. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. Canned food generally provides more nutrients, protein and fat as well as liquids. This will make it easier for your older cats to digest. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.

Where did you put the litter box? You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won’t smell it. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. Keeping litter boxes on cement floors that are cold can be remedied by placing a rug or mat under it.

Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. Some feline health problems may cause your cat to refuse to use their litter box. Kidney, bladder and infection issues can make this occur. Ask your vet if your cat begins missing the litter box.

TIP! It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats.

One way to get a cat to use the litter box is to move it to a different place in the house. A cat will be more inclined to use the litter box if it is placed in a quiet and safe area in your home. Great suggestions include your basement and laundry room.

You may not always know what your cat wants, but you can still care for him properly using the information in this article. Take advantage of what you’ve learned so that you’ll be certain your pet has all that it needs. Maybe he’ll even warm up to you. Possibly!