Though they are independent, cats need care, just like all pets. However, you don’t do this like you would for a dog. There is a little extra work involved with keeping them looking good and clean. Look at this article for cat grooming tips to improve your cat’s appearance.

If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This may seriously injure or kill your cat. To stop this from happening, pin your drapes and hide them out of sight.

Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. Cats should have regular combings. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.

Avoid being kept awake by your cat romping through the house at night. When you first get your kitten, establish a habit of putting it to bed in a comfortable crate with a nice bed, litter box, food and water at night. If you start this early, your cat will appreciate having its own safe, cozy room.

If you don’t want your cat to scratch up furniture, try filling a small spray bottle with water and spritzing your cat whenever he tries. Cats generally avoid water altogether for reasons no one is sure about, so he will not like this. Eventually he will stop scratching to avoid getting sprayed.

A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. There are foods which help combat this problem. There are foods that are made to reduce the frequency of hairballs. It’s a smart move for your cat and your sanity.

Get your cat sprayed and neutered to prevent diseases and infections that form in the reproductive system. This can also help reduce the chance for overpopulation in the country, as just one male who is not neutered can produce up to half a million offspring over the course of his life.

Put the right amount of cat litter in the litter box. Some people try to get out of cleaning the box by putting too much litter in there. Cats don’t like walking on sand dunes! Two inches or so should be sufficient for the cat’s needs, and you just have to be vigilant about cleaning the box out.

When you are washing a cat litter box, it is a good idea to use basic soap and water. You may think that it would be more sanitary to use a harsh cleaner like bleach or ammonia, but all that will do is create a smell that the cat will find offensive.

Sometimes you need to give your cat a pill. Some cats are harder than others, but you should trim their nails first. Then hold the head, open the mouth, and put the pill in. Then blow on the cats face. This will likely make the cat lick its nose, and the pill will go down naturally.

Do not place the cat litter box in the same area where you place the bowl your cat eats from. Cats want a clear separation between the two areas, so make sure you give it to them. It is not likely you would want to eat in the same place where you use the bathroom, so give your cat the same courtesy.

If you’re tempted to load up on litter to cut back on cleanings, think again. Some people believe that the more cat litter they use, the longer they can go between emptying the litter box. Actually, this is a waste of your litter! Many cats refuse to use a litter box with more than 2 inches of litter on the bottom. Some prefer to dig to the bottom of the box before doing their business.

Try to feed your cat dry food as much as possible. As kittens, cats need moist food to accommodate small teeth. However, as their teeth grow, the hardness of dry food allows their teeth to get stronger. You can also try mixing dry and wet food until you get the consistency your cat prefers.

Even though no two cats are the same, certain breeds are known to possess unique characteristics. For example, bengals and other exotic breeds are notoriously active, especially at night. They have high energy levels and are less cuddly than other domestic cats. Bring home a bengal if you love a unique look and are willing to actively engage your pet.

Make sure that you take your cat for regular vaccinations and check-ups. Getting medical care for your cat is essential for its’ health. Your cat needs to stay up to date on all shots in order for it to be healthy and happy. Regular check-ups will make sure you can spot any health issues before they get out of control.

If you are posting an ad trying to find a new home for your cat, do not forget to include a picture of her. Many people bond with pets instantly by looking at pictures, so this will increase the speed of you finding a new place for her to live.

When you bring a new pet home, your old cat may become upset. To avoid any pet drama, keep the new animal separated from your cat. Your cat will begin to familiarize himself with the new scent in the home. You should introduce the new pet to your cat very slowly.

Once you have taken great care of your cat, it can be a better pet. It is up to you to take the necessary steps so your cat looks happy and healthy. Make sure that you groom your cat every couple of days. Use this article, and groom your cat on a regular basis.

Cats are amazing creatures. Independent and loving at the same time, they make ideal pets. Before bringing a kitty cat into your home, however, it is important to educate yourself on cat care so that you know what to do and what to expect. Use the helpful tips discussed in this article to ensure that your cat is well cared for.

Keep your cat occupied by making your own dangly toys. Using soft cotton rope, cut a length of about two feet. Tie a knot at one end. Tie another knot about three inches from the opposite end. Unravel the rope below this knot. Attach the rope to the back of a kitchen chair for your cat to play.

Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.

Protecting your cat from household chemicals is something that you may already know, but did you know that protecting them from medications is just as important? Common over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen can be toxic to your cat, even in small doses. Keep your medication safely out of the reach of your cat.

Use petting to check on your cat’s health. Petting isn’t just a way for you and your cat to spend time together, but it’s a great way to find anything abnormal on their body. You can pet them to feel for bumps, lumps, or sores. This is also a great time for you to check their ears.

Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.

If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. For more routine situations, saving 50% by buying online is quite possible.

If you want to have your cat for many years, it is a good idea to keep them indoors. While a cat may enjoy going outside, it is statistically proven that outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats. There are dangers to a cat that spends time outside, not least of all other animals.

Consider adopting multiple cats, especially it will be spending a significant amount of time alone. One cat can do fine alone, however two are not much more work or expense than one, and can keep each other company and entertain each other. This will stave off boredom, especially if you work long hours.

Use your cat to teach your children responsibilities. A pet demands care that the whole family can participate in. Each child can take different day to feed the cat, for instance. Same thing for litterbox care. You can make a schedule and post it on the refrigerator. Then, everyone knows what they are responsible for.

Provide safe and engaging entertainment for your cat at all times. Even if you cannot be in the house with your pet, you should ensure that it has access to toys and other diversions. Sometimes we perceive that cats are lazy animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy playing to pass the time. This is especially important if your cat is alone in your house for long periods of time.

When taking your cat or kitten to the vet, or to other places that involve a car ride, it is wise to socialize him to this situation. Try taking your cat, always in a carrier, on short rides, adding time to the ride every so often. Getting your pet used to the car can mean the end of his fear and frustration, as well as yours.

Clean your cat’s eyes as frequently as possible because their vision is extremely important and extremely sensitive. Cats interpret five times as much visual stimuli during their day and the smallest particle can become stuck and cause damage. A pair of thumbs and a damp cloth are perfect for clearing the eyes and keeping your cat clean.

Never assume that a fence will keep your cat from leaving your yard. Unless the fence is specially designed to keep cats from escaping, it’s safe to say that your cat will find a way out. Also, remember that your fence must be able to keep other animals from entering your backyard and harming your pet.

If you have a long haired cat, regular grooming is an essential tool. Grooming helps to keep your kitty clean and well cared for. It can help to prevent shedding and skin disease too. While bathing your cat is not required more than every so often, make sure to brush him daily and tend to any mats in his coat.

You might be leery about having your cat fully vaccinated, especially when they are strictly indoors. Rabies shots are important because you never know what critter might sneak into your house. Talk to your vet about the other vaccines. They will be able to help you determine what is healthiest for your cat.

Adequate medical care is essential for any cat, but this is especially true of stray cats that are made into pets. Spending prolonged time outdoors makes a cat more susceptible to parasites, diseases, and other unpleasant realities. If you take in a stray, a trip to the vet should be your top priority. Let the vet examine the cat and administer the appropriate vaccinations. This is for your cat’s safety, your own safety, and your family’s safety.

Independent, intelligent and loving, cats can make exceptional house pets. Before deciding to adopt a cat however, it is a good idea to educate yourself on proper cat care. Utilize all of the information you’ve learned from this article to take great care of your kitty and keep her healthy for years to come.