Like people, cats require balanced diets with good nutrition. If you cat doesn’t get taken care of properly, health issues could occur. This article will give you all the tips you need for a healthier cat.

Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. It may actually cause them some serious harm. Hide the cords for safety sake.

Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat’s life.

Brush and trim your cat’s fur often to keep it looking sharp. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. This can keep them clean. It also stops hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.

To safely help an old cat feel comfortable, place a heated tile under its bed. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. Cover with a small blanket or towel, then place it beneath your pet’s bed. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.

If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. If you want to prevent this, spay your cat.

It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

Cats do not need to be taught how they should use the cat litter box. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. While some folks think you should pick up your cat and place their paws against the litter, this can actually be traumatic.

If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. Usually this is a sign that you haven’t cleaned the box recently. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

Let your cat get comfortable using a carrier. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat’s usual haunts. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. Transporting your cat inside the carrier will then become much easier.

Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? Cats are shedding machines, which means you need to brush them to keep the shedding under control. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.

Litter Box

Think about where you want to put the litter box. Many people want it in an out of the way spot. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. It has to be a quiet area with little traffic. For example, a rug or mat is a good way to make a litter box placed on a concrete floor more attractive to your cat.

Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.

If you have a cat who won’t use the litter box, try moving it someplace else. A cat has instincts that tell it when it goes to the bathroom it is vulnerable. This is why a box should be placed in an area that is quiet and safe. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.

When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. Tail-wagging in a cat usually means a conflict or that they’re deciding to flee or pounce regarding a situation. If you’re snuggling your kitty and you see its tail wag, it’s a sign you should put it down before you get scratched.

You should never let your cat use meds that were designed for people. If your cat is suffering from a medical condition, be sure and take them to a vet to get the proper medication. Your cat could become very sick or perhaps die when taking your medication.

Keep an eye on your cat if he or she is panting. For dogs, panting is completely normal. Sometimes when cats are upset or too hot they pant, but there are other reasons they can pant too. Contact your vet right away, especially if they’ve had respiratory issues a while back.

A healthy diet is vital when it comes to your cat’s health. If your cat has a poor diet and does not eat enough good food or eats too much bad food, their life span can be decreased. Therefore, ensure you provide your cat with plenty of high-quality food so that it enjoys a long life span.