Our love affair with having cats as a pet dates back many years. If you own a cat, then you need to inform yourself on how to properly care for your cat to ensure it is healthy. The following article will help you with this.

Drape cords should be kept distant from cats. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. Hang your drapery cords out of your cats’ sight to avoid this.

Make sure your cat is always groomed. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.

If you cat is overly vocal, try to figure out exactly why he or she is making so much noise. 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. This could mean that your cat needs to go out or is hungry. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.

Do you have both a dog and a cat? Understand that dogs will usually eat cat’s food if they can. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.

Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.

Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Cats don’t react to punishment like dogs do. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. The cat will enter it on its own. It’s a much easier way to get the cat in.

When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.

If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.

As was mentioned in the opening paragraph of this article, cats make great pets. Knowing how to properly care for your cat is essential to make sure he has a long and happy life with you. Refer back to this article whenever you have questions or concerns. You will be thanked by your cat.

By Laura