Cats have a long and storied history of being human companions for generations. These animals have been portrayed in musicals, movies, and poems. Knowing this, you can’t blame cats for feeling just a tad superior! The below article will help you take control over your cat’s care.

Keep your drape cords out of your cats reach. Do not let your cat play with these. If the cords are in loops and the cat jumps into them or plays with them, they could possibly get them caught around their neck. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. To prevent this from happening, keep any drape cords pinned away from any eyes.

TIP! You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost.

Keep your cat groomed. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. 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. Regularly grooming keeps cats looking well and keeps your home neater.

Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.

Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Cats need to exercise and play. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Cats who become bored often have issues that can affect them in a big way. Some of these issues are obesity due to eating out of boredom, OCD issues, fighting with other pets and depression. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. A scratching post is a valuable toy to put in your home.

TIP! Avoid letting your cat get bored. Your cat needs plenty of exercise.

Most cats are nocturnal. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. You won’t be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.

A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This habit means you will end up with cat food on the floor to clean up. To make clean up a breeze, use a place mat underneath the bowl or a piece of fabric. You’ll be able to pick it up easily and shake the excess food into the trash.

You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.

Litter Box

Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.

Feed canned food to your cat. Food that is dry is cheaper but canned food is better for your cat’s health. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. For aging cats, it is also easier to chew. Go ahead and talk to your vet, but canned food is favorable for cats.

TIP! You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. This can compromise your cat’s safety.

Let your cat take its time when you add a new cat to your home. They might hide from each other or hit each other. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.

If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. This sort of behavior can be caused by urinary tract infections or other, more serious medical issues in your cat. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.

Play is something that all cats need to do. Many animals like to play, and that includes humans and cats. Even older cats like to play. Playing with your cat will help you to form happy and cherished memories to look back on.

TIP! Do you have both a dog and a cat? Dogs will generally try to eat the cat’s food whenever the opportunity comes along. Try locating your cat’s food in an area where the dog cannot go.

Dogs are known to way their tails. This means they are content or excited and is normal dog behavior. Cats move their tails too, but it’s not for the same reason. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If your cat starts wagging its tail while you hold it, you might want to set it down to avoid getting scratched and swatted.

Your pet may think it’s the boss of you, or even the boss of the entire world. These tips might help your cat figure out who the real boss is. People love cats because they can be amazing pets, and this advice will help you enjoy yours more.