Cats are an integral part of any household. Eliot thought that cats were a core component of the household. A cat that is friendly and happy boosts any family. Sadly, cats can be difficult to live with sometimes. Here are some tips on how you and your pet can better co-exist.

Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Pin the cords of your drapes up where your cat can’t get to them.

TIP! It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything.

Make sure that your cat is well groomed. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.

Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease. Your vet can also check the overall health of your cat. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. This helps make sure your vet knows your cat’s history.

Keep your cat amused. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this important part of ownership. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.

TIP! It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window.

Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. She will let you know when her demands are for food or when you need to let her out. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

Reconsider outside time for your cat. This can be very unsafe for your cat. Your cat can pick up fleas, or worse. Cats can also be hunted by other animals, stolen or hit by passing vehicles. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. A child of that age doesn’t realize when they are being too rough with a pet. Once the child is older and more mature, decide if they are ready for the responsibility of handling animals.

TIP! Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet.

Feed your cat top quality food. Ensure that the food your cat eats is very high in protein. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Cats are naturally carnivorous. If you want to keep them healthy and happy, you need to feed them plenty of animal protein.

Provide your cat with canned food rather than dry. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. Speak with the vet, but food in cans tends to be better.

Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. Even if your cat is a house cat, this is still a good idea. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.

TIP! Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat.

Long haired cats take extra grooming time, so think about that before choosing one. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.

If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, be sure he gets his shots when he is supposed to an take him for a yearly check-up. Just like with having kids, young cats need to be checked on to see if they’re doing okay from time to time. It also needs its shots so that you can avoid problems later on down the road. Your cat will be a part of your home and that means it should be treated as good as you would treat a family member.

When your cat is due to deliver babies, ensure that she has a comfortable area with some space. Giving birth to all the kittens can take hours, so you shouldn’t expect things to be over and done with quickly. If six hours have gone by and you think there are still more kitten inside the cat, take her to a vet immediately.

TIP! Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five.

Owning a cat can be difficult, but it can also be really rewarding. Whether you have a cat that’s hyper or one that sleeps too much, you can use the tips above to help you take better care of your cat. You’ll hear less meowing and more purring then.