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More Than Cats: Advice For Proper Care

TIP! It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Cats need to get shots so they don't get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay.

When your cat is not sleeping, distractions should be provided. If left alone, cats sometimes climb and scratch on your furniture. However, you can distract your cats with various methods. Keep reading to find out more about some great cat toys.

TIP! Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible.

If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Don't let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. To stop this from happening, pin your drapes and hide them out of sight.

TIP! Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider "perfect." Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats.

Properly groom your cat. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. A well groomed cat, then, is a happy and healthy cat.

TIP! Place a "tablecloth" under your cat's food bowl. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl.

If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. If your cat has been spayed, however, you won't have to worry about this happening.

TIP! Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old.

Normally cats are nocturnal animals. They get very active at night. If your kittens are keeping you awake into the middle of the night, close the door to your bedroom. This will ensure you sleep much better, without cats jumping into bed with you.

TIP! Cats have a love affair with heights. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area.

If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn't going to enjoy the vet bill. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.

TIP! Don't try and teach your kitty how the litter box is supposed to be used. This comes naturally - you can't teach it.

Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Because cats are more delicate than dogs, they need to be handled more carefully.

TIP! Brush your pet often. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur.

Cats enjoy high places. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.

TIP! Carriers are great devices for you to have as a cat owner. Cats don't react to punishment like dogs do.

Speak to other people if you're having cat troubles. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. There are many online cat forums that you can visit and ask some questions. If necessary, you may need to call your veterinarian.

TIP! Make canned food the mainstay of your cat's diet. Dry foods are cheaper but canned foods are richer in vitamins and nutrients.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. They are much better with encouragement. Inside the carrier, put a favorite toy and blanket. Leave it open in an area the cat will see. The cat will enter it on its own. In the future, your cat will not get scared when you put him in the carrier.

TIP! It's important that cats get play time. Really play is something that all mammals share, no matter the age.

Do not throw away your cat's scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they've gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.

TIP! Don't bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they'll require. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home.

Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.

TIP! Don't ever declaw cats that go outdoors. A clawless cat will have no defense against other animals, and when they're outside they'll run risk of death or injury.

When your cat is due to deliver babies, ensure that she has a comfortable area with some space. The birth process can last up to four hours, which means you must exercise patience. You should take your cat to the vet if deliveries lasts for more than five or six hours.

TIP! Never give your cat a medication that was formulated for humans. If you cat suffers from health issues, ask your vet for his recommended treatment option.

If your cat will not use the litter box, try placing it at a different spot in your home. Cats know that they're vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. For example, your basement, laundry room or other room away from household activity should suffice.

TIP! Cats' powerful olfactory abilities mean that they can smell changes in their home. This can cause a problem when trying to introduce a new bed, scratching post, or food dish.

Don't send a declawed cat outdoors for long periods of time. Without claws, your cat is essentially defenseless against other animals. This is a dangerous situation for the cat. Cats that are declawed should be indoor cats only. The front claws should be the only ones removed. The back claws should remain as they will not scratch furniture or floors.

TIP! Dry food is best for adult cats. When cats are kittens they need wet food because their teeth are so small.

Cats have lots of energy, so make sure they expel that energy on their toys instead of your furniture. Keep cats occupied and from ruining furniture. Use what you learned here.

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