Any time you have a new pet, you are likely to face a variety of unique challenges. These challenges can also arise after many years with a cat. It is a bad idea to get your pet first and then make plans. Of course, it’s impossible to avoid each and every little bump in the road during pet ownership. The best plan is to use the tips in this article to prepare yourself and then expect to be surprised.

Cats enjoy getting into spaces that are small. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. That’ll keep kitty safe.

Spay your cat as soon as she is old enough. It does not matter if you an indoor cat; if she gets out when in heat, you can end up with many kittens. Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.

Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. They should have regular check ups annually, and more appointments should be made if they need to get important shots. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.

If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.

Electrical Cords

Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can. An inexpensive way to hide electrical cords is to thread them through used paper towel rolls. Electronics with thin cords must be put out of reach when they aren’t being used.

Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Make sure it’s properly ventilated to keep smell down. You and your cat will greatly appreciate this.

Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. There are many dangers to your cat outside. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Cats can also be hunted by other animals, stolen or hit by passing vehicles. If the cat must go outside, set aside a small part of the backyard or front lawn as a place where they can go.

You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. It’s not a good idea to rub your cats paws in litter. Some people think this is the way to train. It isn’t.

Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. They need positive reinforcement. Therefore, place your cat’s favorite toy into its career. Leave the carrier open in a location that your cat frequently visits. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Dry food is less expensive, but canned food provides more benefits. They have more water, protein and fat too. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Be sure to ask your vet about your pet’s food; however, canned food is usually the best for your cat.

Litter Box

Be aware of your cat stopping their litter box usage. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. Some common issues are bladder and kidney problems. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.

If your feline friend is having kittens, make sure to give her lots of room to birth in. The kittens will arrive within three or four hours, so try to be patient. If the time has surpassed six hours and your cat is not finished, take a trip to your vet.

Dogs are known to way their tails. This means they are content or excited and is normal dog behavior. Cats wag their tails, but definitely not for the same reason. A cat wags its tail when it is upset. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.

Put a breakaway collar on a cat with an engraved tag. Even a house cat may get outside. If this occurs, make sure they can return home.

Avoid leaving a declawed feline outside unattended. The cat is defenseless against other animals, which may lead to injury or possibly death. Indoor cats are the only ones that should ever be declawed. However, you should still only remove the cat’s front claws. Never remove the claws from the back, as these are not harmful to your stuff.

The tips you just read will help you care for your cat regardless of its age or breed. While there may be some advice that works for all cat owners, there are many issues which will vary from cat to cat. A newly adopted kitten should be a fun experience, and make sure that is foremost in your mind!