Cats are amazing animals and some of the most interesting domesticated friends humans can have. These felines are one of the most common household pets and flood the streets of every major city when active. Learning to live indoors with these animals is a new challenge entirely. These smart and feisty creatures can be hardheaded and often require advanced care.

Cats are curious by nature, which can end up getting them into trouble. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. 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. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.

TIP! Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it.

If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.

Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.

Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.

TIP! Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck.

Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). If you own electronic devices with thin cords, you should keep them out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them.

Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.

When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.

TIP! If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes.

If you cat is overly vocal, try to figure out exactly why he or she is making so much noise. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

Feed your pet canned food. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. For older cats, canned food chew easier. Your vet can give you more information specific to your cat, though canned food is usually better.

Aired Cats

TIP! Take your cat to the vet every year. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people.

A long-haired cat comes with a great deal of extra care. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. Long-haired cats can be very high maintenance over the course of the year. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.

If you have a cat who won’t use the litter box, try moving it someplace else. Cat’s sometimes just don’t like the location you’ve picked for the box. Some great examples of such locations are basements, laundry rooms or any other less frequently used room in your home.

Feed your cat as much dry food as you can. Small kittens do well on wet food, since their teeth are small. Once they grow up though, dry, harder food will strengthen their teeth and keep them clean. If your pet cat is finicky, you might consider combining dry and wet food.

TIP! Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog.

Cats can often get the same illnesses as you can. Your cat is a member of the family, so you know better than anyone when your cat isn’t feeling well. It is important to have your cat checked out at the vet. The veterinarian can rule out any serious conditions.

Sometimes, you must take your cat to the vet, and when you do, it can be costly. Save a bit of money and time by purchasing medication for your cat online. Quite a few companies exist that offer home delivery of medications. This is very convenient for medications, such as monthly flea treatments or heart worm medications.

For some cat owners, the only way to make sure their pet is clean and properly groomed is to bathe them. But unlike dogs, bathing is not often necessary, unless the cat has gotten himself into a little bit of trouble somehow. Cats do a good job of grooming themselves. Cats are very particular about their appearance!

TIP! Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. It’s a common practice for cats to eat their food on the side of their bowl.

Now that you’ve read this advice, you should better be able to outsmart your feline companion. Soon, they will learn where to go and where to stay away from. That said, a well behaved cat is also a wonderful pet to have, so get down to work!