Just like many other types of pets, a cat has needs that the responsible owner must attend to. Grooming a cat is not the same as grooming other pets, like dogs. You have to do extra in order to make sure they’re clean and look their best. This article will provide you with some tips on how to groom your cat.

Keep your drape cords out of your cats reach. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.

TIP! Keep drape cords away from cats. Do not allow your cat to play with these.

Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. This can make the difference in whether your cat have nine lives or only a couple of them.

If your cat is getting older, you can increase it’s comfort by placing its bed over a heated tile. 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. Wrap the tile in a towel and then put it under the bed. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.

Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.

TIP! If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats.

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.

You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. Though, in emergency situations, buying online may not be possible. But if you have to regularly buy pet medicine, you can save 50% or more on some medicines by buying online.

You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. Letting your cat outside greatly increases his risk level. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.

TIP! Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck.

You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. You can often get great advice from friends and family. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Cats never respond to punishment the way that dogs do. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Put their favorite toy and blanket in a carrier. Leave it somewhere they always go to. Soon, your cat will naturally enter the carrier. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.

Ensure your cat is collared and wears an identification tag. This is important even if your pet lives indoors. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. The tag your cat wears should display your number and your veterinarian’s information. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.

TIP! If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant.

If you want a cat with long hair, be prepared to put in extra time and care. All that hair will be literally everywhere. These breeds are best left to those with the time and energy to do a lot of cleaning. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.

Litter Box

If you are having problems getting the cat to use the litter box, move it. The best place for a litter box is in a secure, quiet area. Cats feel vulnerable when they’re using it, so they want it to be in a place where they feel safe. A couple of good places to put your cat box are your basement and laundry room.

TIP! Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog.

Every cat should have a collar with his name on it, the owner’s name, and a phone number. The cat may get out if it has a chance to, even house cats do this. It is important that you provide a way that they can get back home if that should happen.

There are certain human foods that you should never feed to cats. Examples of problem foods include garlic, green tomatoes, onions and grapes. Your cat can get sick after eating these foods. Milk is also not especially good for your cat’s stomach.

Avoid using phenol-containing chemicals if you have cats. This chemical is present in many household cleaners, such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. Not only is the smell offensive to cats, but exposing them to this chemical for prolonged periods of time can lead to problems with their liver.

TIP! If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal.

Your cat has a remarkable sense of smell, much better than humans. They detect subtle changes in their environment. This applies to new pets and food in the home. Don’t be upset if the cat does not take to these items immediately. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they’ll be more interested in the new object.

When your cat is groomed well, it has an attractive appearance. In order to ensure a healthy looking cat, you’ll have to give it the grooming that it needs. Your cat will be happier and healthier if you take good care of it. Remember these tips for a happy and healthy cat.