There's nothing like having a pet. There are many kinds of pets, but there's a special one that has warmed the hearts of many pet owners. Cats are great companions for your home. If you want to care for one, read this article for tips related to caring for cats.

Keep a clean litter box. Like you, a cat will generally not use a bathroom that is filthy. Find a quiet area out of the way that the box can stay in, and don't move it unless absolutely necessary. Scoop solids out a couple times a day. Make sure to dump the whole box, wash it with a gentle detergent, and refill it once a week.

Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you're not using them.

Keep your cat indoors. Unlike dogs, it is nearly impossible to confine a cat to a yard. This can lead to many dangers for your cat, from cars, dogs, diseases from feral cats, and simply disappearing to parts unknown. Loose cats also are a nuisance to others, often killing songbirds and leaving unwelcome "deposits" in neighbor's gardens. If your cat really enjoys the outdoors, they can be trained to wear a harness and leash or you can invest in a specialty cat fence or screened-in porch.

Make sure to keep chemicals and dangerous substances away from your cat. Chemicals like antifreeze have a sweet taste. This encourages the cat to drink it, most often resulting in fatal consequences. Keeping your chemicals locked up in a cabinet will help to ensure that your curious cat does not end up ingesting poison.

A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Cat's will often remove food from their bowl to eat it. If this happens, you'll have to clear away any excess food that's left outside. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat's bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.

Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. If a child is under the age of five, you should not leave the pet alone with them. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they're mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.

Feed a kitten proper food. A developing kitten survives exclusively on their mother's milk for the first four weeks, a commercial formula if the mother isn't around. When moving to regular food, feed them specially formulated kitten food until they reach maturity at the age of one. Kittens need plenty of protein while they are developing.

If you suspect your cat has sprayed in your home but can not find the area, there is hope. Purchasing an inexpensive black light can save you from having to rip up your carpets. Your cat's urine will glow under the black light, showing you exactly where to clean.

If you are adding a kitten to a household that already contains a dog, it is important to socialize a kitten to the dog at an early age. At first, constant supervision is essential. Let the kitten and dog spend time together while you hold the kitten, letting them explore and get used to each other's smells. When socialized early, cats and dogs can live happily and peacefully together.

Sometimes a second cat will calm a single destructive cat. This seems counter-intuitive, asking for twice the destruction, but a second cat can give them both something to do. Introduce them slowly and expect some initial squabbles. After a while, though, the cats will usually get along and the destructive behavior will subside.

Understand the difference between cat play and real aggression. Both activities can look the same to an untrained eye, but there are differences. When two cats are playing, they will bat each other around with claws retracted. They will "bite" with their jaws loose. Real aggression will involve hisses, squeals and hard biting.

When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. The process generally takes about three hours, so you must exercise patience. If more than five or six hours have passed, and you think that kittens still remain inside, then you must get in touch with your vet.

There are lots of cats out there that do not have homes. Consider adopting one from your local pet agency before heading to the pet store. They usually provide the cat with all of the necessary shots before you adopt them. The cats are also spayed or neutered to prevent pet overpopulation.

Do you offer your cats inexpensive food, thinking that it will last longer, and you get more for your money? The truth is, cheaper foods usually lack the proper nutrients and protein cats need in order to stay healthy. Instead, they contain fillers, such as corn, to bulk up the food. Cats need to eat more of cheaper foods, but will require less of a protein-rich food that will keep him healthier in the long run.

If you have a cat with frequent hairball problems, and brushing has provided no relief, the following tips might be useful. Try mixing a teaspoon of pumpkin with your cat's food. Add in an extra spoonful of water if the mixture is too thick. Some cat foods include hairball fighting elements, such as fiber, that may be useful.

As stated before, many pets exist, but few are as special as the cat. They are perfect for anyone looking for a new friend to occupy their home. There is some work associated with caring for cats, but it's no trouble for you. If you follow this article, cat care can be a piece of cake. For more information and guidance for taking care of your pet cat, you can visit https://topcatbreeds.com/.