Do you have a cat? If this is the case, you probably care a great deal for it. Cats are living beings that requite care and affection. Luckily, you are able to give it all that it needs. Keep reading for some excellent advice on cat care.

You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. This will especially be true if it’s a product for fleas. Using dog flea products on your cat can kill them. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.

If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home. Be sure that the pet’s name and also your home number are on the tag.

Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. If you have loose electrical cords, you can bundle them up and stow them away in a cardboard tube (think toilet paper or paper towel rolls). Electronic items with thin, tempting cords should always be put away when not in use.

Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats have a natural predilection for staking out a nice elevated place where they have a good view of their surroundings. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. One way to keep your cats from continuously jumping on the counter is to install a cat tower near the problem counter.

Get a microchip for your cat. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Nearly every vet and shelter owns a scanner which can read a microchip, and since they’re implanted, there isn’t a risk of the chip falling out or getting lost.

Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this important part of ownership. Bored cats will quickly wreck your home or become obese. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.

Litter Box

The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your cat and you will appreciate it.

When you get a cat for your kids, make sure your kids know the rules in advance. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If you’re planning to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that the cat is not allowed to be outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.

Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. Under five, the child needs to be watched. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.

Cats have a love affair with heights. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.

If your cat’s scratching post looks old and worn, don’t throw it away immediately. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. Ditching the structure may alienate your cat, making it more likely to turn elsewhere in your home for its scratching needs.

Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. They might hide from each other or hit each other. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.

If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. It could be an indication of a serious health problem. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.

Relocating the litter box can often help curb a problem with cats that refuse to use it. Cat’s sometimes just don’t like the location you’ve picked for the box. Areas away from high activity are a good choice, such as basements and laundry rooms.

You love your cat, and you want to make sure you’re giving it the best care you can. This article has provided you with the knowledge needed to properly care for your pet. Use the above tips to be sure your cat lives a happy, healthy life. When you show your cat you love it, it will return the love.