Cats are amazing pets. Their independence makes them perfect if you are not always at home due to a busy schedule. You should go over the following article to find out how you can adopt a new cat and properly take care of it.

Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard. This could kill them. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.

TIP! If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care.

Keeping your cats away from the counters can be hard. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off the counter.

Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. They give lots of affection and need some in return. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.

You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.

TIP! If your cat is older or sick, a heating pad may provide comfort. Simply heat a single foot cotta tile at 200 degrees between 15 and 20 minutes.

If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. You and your cat probably have different ideas about the ideal volume for the car stereo, for instance: Remember that your cat’s hearing is more sensitive than yours. Therefore, the volume of your music should be minimized, and turn it off completely if necessary.

If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.

You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. You can find online cat forums to ask questions, or you can speak with your vet.

TIP! If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost.

Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. The cat will be fearful of you if you punish it.

Vary your cat’s diet just a tiny bit to keep them from being picky. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.

You should not get rid of your cat’s old scratching post. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. By removing the old item and replacing it with a new one, your cat may try to find another item to scratch. This could end up being furniture.

TIP! Location is key when placing a litter box. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Cats like their water to move. Normally, cats much prefer water that comes out in a stream. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. This is a more natural way for them to drink.

If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.

Aired Cat

TIP! Make sure your cat gets lots of love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you.

You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. Although it may look nice, it will look much worse when it sheds all over your home. If you don’t mind cleaning, get a long-haired cat. Hair balls are also more prevalent in long haired cats.

If you want your cat to live a long, healthy life, be sure he gets his shots when he is supposed to an take him for a yearly check-up. Just like children, a kitten needs to have immunizations and wellness checks periodically to avoid disease and other health problems later in life. Your cat is a member of your family, so treat them like any valued member of your home.

A cat can get lonely when your daily routine changes and you are no longer home during the day. One possible solution to ending your cat’s loneliness is to adopt a second cat.

TIP! When your cat is riding with you in your car, ensure you keep their ears in mind. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume.

Use sticky tape on your furniture. If you have a cat that scratches your upholstery you need to place tape on that as well. There is specific tape for this purpose. By keeping your furniture covered with tape and getting a scratching post put up, you will get your cat to scratch that instead.

Some people who own cats think bathing the cat is a smart move. But unlike dogs, bathing is not often necessary, unless the cat has gotten himself into a little bit of trouble somehow. Cats frequently groom themselves by using their tongues that are specifically designed to remove dirt. Cat are persnickety when it comes to appearance.

Avoid leaving your cat outside when the weather looks bad. Rainy days and periods of deep cold are especially problematic. When the weather gets bad, cats attempt to hide, and one attractive place to hide is under a car hood. You could lose your pet if the owner suddenly turns on the car.

TIP! When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in.

Cats make the best pets. You need to learn more on how you can take care of a cat before you decide to adopt one. This article has provided you with a great base of information. Doing so will mean your cat lives a fulfilling, enjoyable life.