Cats make the perfect pet for several reasons. However, if you’re new to cat ownership, you may want to read the paragraphs below. Below are some excellent suggestions that will help any cat owner coexist with their furry pal.

Drape Cords

Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.

Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.

Properly groom your cat. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.

Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. Therefore, use a breakaway collar that will come undone whenever it’s being pulled very tightly. This can make the difference in whether your cat have nine lives or only a couple of them.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap it up safely before placing it beneath your cat’s favorite napping spot. This should be changed a few times a day to maximize comfort.

Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.

It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. You may mitigate the problem by providing designated heights for them to use. Keep your cats off the kitchen counter by placing their towers near the kitchen or even in it.

Most cats are very nocturnal. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.

Create a tablecloth just for your cat. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. That means you will have to tidy up the food left beside the cat bowl. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.

Do you own a dog and cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. This makes it a good idea to have a cat feeding place high up enough that your dog can’t get to it. That also means they don’t fight about water after eating the food.

Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As a kid ages, they can show maturity with handling a little pet.

Mix up the food you feed your cat to avoid them becoming a picky eater. If they eat the same food all the time without changing it, that may be the only one they’ll eat later on.

If possible, always choose canned cat food. Dry food is less expensive, but canned food provides more benefits. Canned food provides more water content for your cat as well as more fat and protein. For aging cats, it is also easier to chew. Ask your vet, though canned food is often better for your cat.

Pay attention if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box properly. It may be the sign of an underlying medical issue. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. Most of the time, these conditions can be resolved with relatively affordable antibiotic treatments.

Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. It is tempting to place it out of sight, in order to avoid the image of it or smells that go along with dirty litter. The cat has to be able to easily access the box. It has to be a quiet area with little traffic. Put a rug under it for cleanliness, too.

Brushing your cat more frequently is the most common way to combat hairballs. If it doesn’t work, though, you have other options. Give your cat’s regular food an addition of pumpkin (about a teaspoon’s worth). You can also try a teaspoon of water used to pack tuna mixed with the pumpkin. Special foods are available to help treat hairballs.

So, you have a cat or you are thinking about getting a cat. They offer lots of comfort and can be stress relievers. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Consider the advice listed above, and help to give your cat a high quality of life while you enjoy his company.