Though it is great to have a chat, they can also be pricy. The cost of vet bills, food, toys, and cat litter are enough to make any person reconsider owning a cat. The following article will teach you what you need to know about caring for a cat.

Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Pin the cords of your drapes up where your cat can’t get to them.

Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.

Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.

Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. If they’re inside kitties, get them a post or something else that they can scratch and climb.

Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. This means you should pay attention to labels on food. Fish products are usually higher in magnesium.

Create a tablecloth for the feline. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. Think about putting a placemat underneath the bowl or make your own tablecloth out of fabric.

Do your best to determine why your cat is meowing. If you have spent any significant amount of time around your cat, you will quickly find you can figure out what he wants when he cries. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. When you understand what each type of behavior indicates, you can improve your relationship.

Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not be taught. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s actually incorrect to rub a cat’s paw in the litter.

Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. They like responding to encouragement better. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Your cat will start to venture into their carrier more often, until they are completely comfortable with it. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.

Don’t buy cheap cat food. Ensure that the food your cat eats is very high in protein. Steer clear of food made primarily of corn and fillers. Cats need meat, not vegetables.

Is cat hair getting into everything you own? Brushing your cat regularly can fight the constant shedding that often can occur. If your cat is shedding too often, you should brush it more regularly. This can also stop their coats from becoming tangled up.

Litter Box

Really consider where you place the litter box. Your first instinct may be to hide it away out of sight and out of smelling range. However, it is important to keep their litter box in an area they can easily get to. Felines can be finicky. This means you must give them the right location and make sure it is inviting. Keeping litter boxes on cement floors that are cold can be remedied by placing a rug or mat under it.

Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. Kittens, like children, need to have their vaccinations and wellness appointments regularly to prevent diseases and other health issues from becoming a problem later in life. A cat is a member of the family, and therefore, is entitled to the same treatment as other loved ones.

Keep products containing phenol away from your cat. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Cats hate the smell, and it can do sever damage to a cat’s liver if left near it for prolonged periods.

You should try keeping your cat inside or allowing it to go in the backyard. It is shown that cats trained inside that then spend the majority of their lives inside tend to live longer than cats free to roam the neighborhood. That’s because they are not exposed to harmful diseases that run amok, and they aren’t as prone to dangerous wildlife.

Cats are a wonderful creature to share your space with, though they can be pricy. There are so many things to do that it is akin to having a child. The information here should have helped you see that you can lessen costs, but still give you the ability to give your cat tip top care.