Having a cat in your home can be a wonderful experience. Being a cat owner is an enjoyable venture in life. Read these tips to get the most enjoyment out of your cat.

You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This accident could trap or injure your cat, or even be fatal. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.

TIP! Properly groom your cat. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly.

When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.

Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.

Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.

TIP! Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots.

It may prove quite a challenge to make your cat stay off counter tops. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. Having a cat tower near your kitchen will keep them off your counters.

Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.

Cats are nocturnal animals. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.

TIP! When it comes to litter boxes, placement is everything. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food.

Give your kitty lots of love. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.

Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online. If you regularly need to buy pet medication, you can get a savings of up to 50 percent online.

A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. Sometimes, this results in food outside the bowl that you have to clean up. The best thing for you to do is to have a place mat underneath the cat’s bowl.

TIP! Cats love to be clean. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls.

Do your best to determine why your cat is meowing. After some time, you’ll understand why your cat purs or meows based on what she wants. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. Be aware of the cues your cat gives you, and the two of you will have a better relationship.

Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet. You may not have noticed a problem when you see them together, but very kids do not really understand they can accidentally harm or kill a kitten. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.

Understand that cats enjoy being elevated. A happy cat is one that has a safe living environment. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.

TIP! Cats love being up high. To keep your cat happy, offer him a spot of his own up high where he can survey his kingdom.

Talk to others when you have a problem with your cat. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.

Litter Box

If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. Many times, this is caused by failure to properly clean or place the litter box. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

TIP! You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. You may try to handle it yourself, but you might need input from other cat owners.

Keep a breakaway collar and tag on your cat. This is essential even for indoor cats. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.

Cats are amazing pets. You must stay educated about cat care if you want your cat to remain healthy. Take these suggestions to heart so you can learn to be a great cat owner. Your cat will love you more for this!