Cats are probably the most amazing creatures you can have as pets. There’s a reason so many families choose to welcome cats, and that cats are present in great numbers in virtually every human community. Learning to coexist with such animals indoors is a different story. Cats are strong, smart, and kind of difficult.

Make sure your cat is always groomed. A cat’s fur must be brushed or combed on a regular basis. Such practices help keep cats’ coats clean. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Cat grooming will not only keep kitty looking great, but it will also help to reduce the effort spent picking up cat hair around the home.

TIP! If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Never let your cats play with drape cords, as they could seriously injure themselves.

Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. Put a breakaway collar on instead. This could save your cat’s life!

A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.

Cats are generally nocturnal. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. Try closing the door if your cats are keeping you awake at night. It also protects your toes from those crafty midnight pounces.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you.

Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? Dogs love to eat cat food! That’s why you should place your cat’s food in a place which is hard for your dog to reach. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.

Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. Once the child is older and more mature, decide if they are ready for the responsibility of handling animals.

Litter Box

TIP! Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this.

There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.

Brush your cat on a regular basis. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin’s blood flow. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.

Let your cat get comfortable using a carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Inside the carrier, put a favorite toy and blanket. Leave it open in an area the cat will see. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.

TIP! Keep your cat away from boredom. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise.

While a torn up scratching post might look unattractive, do not get rid of it. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.

Drinking Fountain

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Your cat will prefer drinking from running water since this is a natural behavior. Cat usually respond well to streams. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.

TIP! Be especially mindful of your cat’s ears when you take them on a trip. They don’t want to hear you singing at the top of your lungs.

Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. Cats usually do not like change, especially when it comes to another cat. Therefore, they may hide, hiss, or even fight one another. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.

If you have a cat who won’t use the litter box, try moving it someplace else. Just like humans, cats can be sensitive to where they eliminate, so choose a private location if possible. Basements, laundry rooms and other quiet spots are best.

You can outsmart your cat when you keep the tips you read here close by. They will soon figure out what they need to avoid and where they can have a free reign. They may not be as easy to train as a dog, but cats can be trained to be well-mannered, if not always obedient.