Although cat ownership is often delightful, it also comes with its share of challenges! You have many issues to consider when you have one, ranging from different diets to having their nails clipped at the vet’s office. The article below offers tips you can use to offer your cat whatever it needs.

Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.

TIP! Keep your drape cords out of your cats reach. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks.

Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.

A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Entice them to scratch those items rather than your belongings. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.

Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.

TIP! Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs.

Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.

Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. This can lead to a big clean-up. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.

You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. After you have lived with your cat for a while, you will come to know what she wants by her meow. They may want outside or may be hungry. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.

TIP! Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being.

Do you have both a dog and a cat? Understand that dogs will usually eat cat’s food if they can. Because of this, you should make the place that your cat food is in higher up so that the dog cannot reach it. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.

Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Encouragement is more likely to get them to respond. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. The cat will feel safe when it enters this carrier after a while. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.

You cat will not be likely to be a finicky eater if you vary the type of food you are feeding from time to time. When you give the same thing day after day, it becomes boring.

TIP! Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high.

Provide your cat with a drinking fountain. Cats like running water in the wild, as well as in the home. Cats react better to a moving water stream. In fact, there are cats that enjoy drinking from a running sink instead of a bowl. Fountains keep the water cool and clean.

Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes. If your cat eats these things, they could become very sick. Milk is another food to stay away from.

Taking care of cats may seem simple at first, and if you’re lucky enough to get one that doesn’t present any issues they are, but most require a lot of attention, TLC and a few vet check-ups. If you follow the advice in this article you can be a great cat owner. The best benefit is a mutually satisfactory experience for you and the cat.