Cats have been the companion of humans for hundreds of years. Cats have inspired the songs, poetry and visual arts of many cultures. A cat is a very intriguing animal but you will be able to form a strong bond with this pet. This article will teach you how to coexist and care for your cat.

Taking your cat to the vet is part of being a responsible pet owner. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.

TIP! If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. If an indoor cat gets out, you may soon have kittens.

Put a collar on any cats which go outside. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you. Ensure that you at least put the name of your cat and your personal phone number on this tag.

Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. You can bundle loose cords together and place them inside paper towel rolls. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.

Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.

TIP! If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost.

Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. These are very painful and expensive to treat. Choose a low magnesium food. Read the label on any food you choose. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.

If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. To ensure your cat’s trip is pleasant, turn off the music or keep the volume low.

Cats and small children may not always mix. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.

TIP! Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise.

Cats enjoy being high up. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. Putting a soft cat bed on the shelf can help to add a little comfort.

You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.

A cat usually believes it is in charge of your house. If you use these tips, you can teach your cat who is really in charge of the home. People enjoy cats because they’re great as pets, and you can use the above advice to make sure you’re giving your pet a great life.