Cats make the perfect pet for several reasons. People who never have had a cat would probably get some use out of the article below. Keep reading to deepen your knowledge about cats.

Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. After your dog receives a flea treatment, keep your cat away for at least a few hours.

TIP! If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. If your cat is especially intent on chewing cords, keep them covered as much as possible. You can do this by bundling them and tucking them in the cardboard rolls that are used for paper towels. If you own electronic devices with thin cords, you should keep them out of your cat’s reach when you’re not using them.

Scratching Post

Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. You should scold your cat when it scratches your furniture and direct its attention to the scratching post or tower. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.

TIP! Make sure your cat is always groomed. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy.

You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.

Do your best to determine why your cat is meowing. Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. It is dangerous in today’s society. Your cat could get parasites, or worse. Other animals and vehicles could also injure your cat. If your cat must be an outdoor cat, limit it to your own backyard.

TIP! If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant.

Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. Under five, the child needs to be watched. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. 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.

A cat is an amazing pet to own. They are a source of comfort and reduce stress. In order to make your cat’s life (and your time as a cat owner) happy and healthy, you have to be prepared to be a responsible owner. Make sure to utilize the tips above in order to live in peace for a long time.