It isn’t always easy to make a cat happy. At times, it can be difficult to understand what cats are thinking. With the proper advice, however, you can ensure that they are safe and cared for–even if they don’t realize that you’re the boss! These tips can help you give them necessary care.

Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. This can make the difference in whether your cat have nine lives or only a couple of them.

TIP! Keep your drape cords away from your cats. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them.

You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.

Electrical Cords

Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. Cords should be covered, especially if your cat tends to chew on them. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.

TIP! You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes.

Never let a cat become bored. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. If they are indoors, give them a scratching post or something to climb on.

Cats can have nocturnal tendencies. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If your kittens are keeping you awake into the middle of the night, close the door to your bedroom. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.

Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. Keep the litter from the cat food, and avoid placing it in a busy area. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. This will make you and your cat happy.

TIP! If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost.

Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. 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.

You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.

Your cat deserves a high quality food. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Avoid brands that use non-meat fillers like corn. Cats in the wild are meat eaters, and domestic cats need meat to ensure optimum health.

TIP! Prevent your cat from chewing on electrical cords by spraying bitter apple on them. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can.

Put a collar on the cat that lists your name, address, and phone number on it. Even house cats run the risk of getting loose. If your cat does get out, make sure that it can get home.

Don’t use products with phenol in a house with a cat. This chemical is often found in cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. Cats hate the smell, and it can do sever damage to a cat’s liver if left near it for prolonged periods.

If possible, make sure your cat is always indoors. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. You can exercise your cat by playing with it.

TIP! Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window.

Cats have a keen sense of smell and notice the smallest things. This may cause a problem if you give them a new bed, scratching post or food dish. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. The object will begin to smell more like home, and the cat is more likely to feel comfortable.

Do not give your cat too much food, as this can result in digestive problems. If your cat gets more food than he needs, then he will quickly become obese which can lead to more serious health issues. Be careful to feed your cat the proper portion amount, and also make sure that his food is packed with vital vitamins and nutrients.

Cats catch illnesses just like you do. Your cat lives in your household so you are more aware that it is not feeling well than anyone else. Bring him or her to the veterinarian if this is the case. Tis will set your mind at ease, ruling out the most serious diseases and illnesses.

TIP! The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food.

If you worry about the cat you have getting fleas, rabies, or any kind of fungus then the cat shouldn’t go outside. While it is possible for a home bound cat to catch some of these diseases, the chances are increasingly significantly when a cat spends a good amount of time outdoors.

Check your home for openings that a cat could slip through. Cats often fit through small openings. This is particularly true for kittens. Know this when bringing another cat into your home. Repair or cover up any holes.

Even if you’re not able to make your cat happy, you can still be a great cat owner with these tips. Use them to make sure your cat’s health and needs are handled, so that you can be sure that all his needs are being met. If you are lucky, he might even start being nice. Well, perhaps!