Cats are extremely interesting and are wonderful animals. Your cat deserves a happy and healthy life and it is up to you to provide it. You can use the great advice in this article to begin learning all you need to know.

Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If that doesn’t work, cover those cords up however you can. Use some paper towel rolls to tuck loose cords. Any electronic item not in use should be stored away where the cat can’t get to it.

You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Every cat needs exercise time and play! Sometimes, cat owners don’t realize this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Make sure you give them lots of toys and room to play. If they are indoors, give them a scratching post or something to climb on.

The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.

Be sure you show your cat lots of love. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Cats, just like people, want to feel like a loved part of a family. Socialization is important to them. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.

Cats love to be clean. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. If your cat has this issue, try changing his food. Certain kinds of cat food are made to decrease hairballs. As a result, you and your cat will be happier.

Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. It is important to show your child how to approach and handle a cat. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.

You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. It can be unsafe. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. Other animals, cars and people can hurt your cat. If letting your cat outdoors is important to you, let them out in a safe fenced area.

Brush your cat on a regular basis. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. It can also get rid of hair that is loose. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.

Never punish a cat for a mess outside of its box. Many times, this is caused by failure to properly clean or place the litter box. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.

Your cat should like their carrier. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment. Encouragement is a better way to get your cats to perform. 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. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.

Your cat needs good play time. Just like playtime is important for other types of pets, the same holds true for your cat, despite whatever their age happens to be. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Spend some time enjoying your cat.

Have your cat sport a collar that includes information regarding the owner’s name, address and telephone number. You may have an indoor pet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t ever get out. Fitting your cat with a tag and collar greatly increases the chance that your cat will make it home safely.

Never allow your cat to be exposed to phenol chemicals. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.

Be on the lookout for panting. With dogs, this is something that is common. Panting in a cat possibly indicates something serious is going on. Be sure you get in touch with a vet, especially if your animal has had problems with breathing before.

If you got a cat during a period of joblessness and are now re-entering the workforce, you should watch out for possible attachment issues. Get another cat if you would like to be certain your cat isn’t bored.

Vet visits are often inevitable, and the bills can quickly pile up. One way to save some cash is to order your pet’s medications via the Internet. Many places will deliver the goods to your doorstep. This is great for medicine like flea treatments and heart worm pills that your cat takes monthly.

Try keeping your cat indoors. Cats that live outdoors live shorter lives, and can catch diseases more easily. Some of the illnesses can actually be passed along to members of the household. Indoor cats love to have a sunny place to lounge and be comfortable.

Cats are very popular as pets in nearly every corner of the globe. However, in order to enjoy your cat, you need to educate yourself on how to best care for it. Read back over the advice again, then start applying the knowledge to your home environment. Your cat is certain to appreciate the time you spent learning on caring for it.