The famous poet T.S. Eliot wrote on cats. T.S. Eliot once said that households depend on cats, and there may be some truth to this. A cat who is healthy and behaves well can be a great companion, and he can be an asset to any home. There are, however, many reports of cats being difficult and temperamental. Keep reading for some valuable tips on cat care.

Make sure your cat is always groomed. Cats require frequent brushing or combing. This helps them keep their precious coat properly clean at all times. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.

Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. This can save all “nine” of your cat’s lives.

Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can. You can take loose cords, bundle them up, and stick them inside the tube from an old roll of paper towels. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.

Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. To assist your cat if it has this problem, you should get food that’s special. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.

If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Choose a cat food with low magnesium content. Read the label. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. That also means they don’t fight about water after eating the food.

Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. You can often get great advice from friends and family. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.

It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.

When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. When this occurs, it tends to be because the box is not being maintained properly. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.

Rotate the variety of food you feed your cat. If they eat the same food all the time without changing it, that may be the only one they’ll eat later on.

Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. Canned foods are also richer in fat, proteins and will help hydrate your cat. It is easier for older cats to chew. Speak with your vet, however generally speaking, canned cat food is better for your cat.

If you wish to add another cat to your home, give it a couple weeks for your old cat and your new cat to grow accustomed to each other. They may fight with each other initially. After a bit of time, you’ll have two cats that will tolerate, and possibly enjoy, each other.

Pay attention if your cat suddenly stops using the litter box properly. It may be the sign of an underlying medical issue. Cats sometimes exhibit this type of behavior when they have a urinary tract infection or other health concern. Often this problem is quickly and inexpensively cured with a common antibiotic.

If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. The hair may be a gorgeous thing to behold, but it will require a lot of maintenance. Long-haired cats can be very high maintenance over the course of the year. Hairballs are something that you will often deal with if you own a fluffy cat.

Does it feel like your home is overrun with your cat’s hair? Since cats shed so much, you must remember to brush them regularly. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.

Caring for a cat can be a lot of work, but it’s absolutely worth it. No matter how active or lazy your cat may be, the advice you have read will help the two of you get along better. In no time you’ll notice more purring and less meowing.