Cats have been beloved pets for many centuries. These animals have been portrayed in musicals, movies, and poems. In fact, cats usually believe that they rule the world. In the article below, you’ll discover great tips to help you control your cat and ensure it lives a good life.

Drape Cords

TIP! When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help.

Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.

Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. It is best to always take your cat to the same veterinarian. This also allows the vet to become more familiar with your cat’s unique health needs and personality.

A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.

TIP! You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently.

If you have to travel with a cat you should remember their ears. Although you might enjoy jamming to your music, understand that cats prefer peace and quiet. To keep you cat from feeling nervous, keep the volume at a lower level. A trip is already stressful for a pet.

Try to figure out why your cat meows. If you have spent any significant amount of time around your cat, you will quickly find you can figure out what he wants when he cries. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. Make sure you are paying attention in order to better understand your cat.

If you’re thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. This can compromise your cat’s safety. Your cat can pick up fleas, or worse. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If the cat must go outside, set aside a small part of the backyard or front lawn as a place where they can go.

TIP! A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age.

Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.

Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Stay way from cat foods made of corn or any other ingredients that aren’t based in protein. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.

Drinking Fountain

TIP! Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Cats respond well to this stream of water. You may have noticed that a dripping sink faucet quickly attracts their attention. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.

If you plan to add a second cat to your household, be sure to allow two to three weeks for your resident cat and the new cat to get used to each other. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. If you give them enough time though, chances are good they will befriend each other and enjoy the extra company.

Pay attention if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box properly. It may be the sign of an underlying medical issue. Cats may show this behavior if they develop an infection of the urinary tract, or some other health issue. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.

TIP! Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats don’t like dog products.

Where did you put the litter box? You may really want to hide that box from everyday life. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. If the littler box is on cold, hard floor, try placing a rug beneath it.

Dogs will often wag their tails to show their happiness or excitement. A cat may look like it is wagging its tail, but it is completely different than what a dog does. Tail-wagging is usually a sign that your cat is considering attacking or fleeing. When you hold your cat and he begins to wag his tail, put him down!

If you decide to declaw your cat, never allow it to go outside. It can’t defend itself with no claws. The only cats that should be declawed are indoor cats. If you do decide to declaw your indoor cat, do not remove the back claws. Don’t take the back claws as cats need them to stay balanced.

TIP! Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can.

You want to be watchful regarding panting. Dogs pant as a way to release heat from their bodies. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. Take your cat to see the vet if you notice it is often panting.

Excellent Companion

Your cat probably believes that it is the head of the household. Using the given tips, your cat will finally learn who runs the show. There’s no denying that your cat can be an excellent companion. By offering love and care, you can be an excellent companion, too!