Cats are amazing friends and companions. If you have never had one, you should read this article before getting one. Continue reading for some advice you can use when you live with a cat.

Good grooming is important for cats. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.

TIP! Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled.

Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. Put a breakaway collar on instead. This can save all “nine” of your cat’s lives.

You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.

Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the cardboard rolls that are used for paper towels. If you have electrical cords laying out that are not being used, put them away as cats can play with them and then move on to live electrical cords.

TIP! Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care.

Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats have a natural predilection for staking out a nice elevated place where they have a good view of their surroundings. Therefore, you should create high areas for resting. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.

Make sure your cat is not too bored. Cats need play and exercise. Many owners just don’t have time. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.

A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Choose a cat food with low magnesium content. Consult the ingredient list. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.

TIP! Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free.

Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Make sure the children know where the cat is and is not allowed to roam. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.

Always watch a kitten around small kids. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.

If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. There are many online forums that discuss cats. Most vets will also be happy to help you with some advice.

TIP! Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Cats do not need to be taught how they should use the cat litter box. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.

Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. You should check the ingredients and make sure the food you give your cat includes a healthy source of protein, such as chicken, fish or beef. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. You have a carnivorous cat, and a diet consisting of animal proteins is essential.

You won’t be sorry that you chose a cat for your new companion. Cats are great for reducing the stress in people’s lives. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Use the tips below to make sure you and your pet have a happy relationship for years to come.