Cats are very smart, loving and fun animals but they require some attention. They are also very common household members across the world, and can be found in houses and on the busy streets of almost every major city. It may be difficult to live with a cat for the first time. These critters can be stubborn little guys and can pose a big challenge to understanding all their little nuances.

Don’t let your cat near drape cords. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This could hurt or kill them. Hide the cords for safety sake.

TIP! Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. Do not let your cat play with these.

A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.

Give your cat lots of attention and love. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same. Similar to people, cats like to socialize and feel as if they are important to their family. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.

A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.

TIP! Putting a warm tile beneath the bed of an older cat will help it rest comfortably. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch.

Try and figure out why kitty is meowing. After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat a cat’s food any time they’re given the chance. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. This will help you to be sure that the animals won’t fight over the water either after they’ve eaten all their food.

Brush your pet often. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. It is also a good way to reduce shedding. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.

TIP! If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only.

If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. Check out the box instead and see if it has been neglected; this is often a cause of accidents. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.

Keep a breakaway collar and tag on your cat. Even if it’s an indoor cat, this is important. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. This precaution is especially important when your cat has an existing medical condition.

You cannot be the boss of you cat, it’s hopeless! Soon, you will have your cat understanding where his limitations are. Training a cat may not be as easy as training a dog, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Soon, you’ll be the owner of a well behaved cat.