Although cat ownership is often delightful, it also comes with its share of challenges! When it comes to cats, you have to be aware of many things in order to properly raise it. Continue reading to learn excellent tips on properly providing for your cat.

Animal Shelter

TIP! If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them.

When looking for a new cat for your home, contact a local animal shelter. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable. When a cat is adopted from an animal shelter it saves its life and it helps control the cat population.

If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Having your cat spayed is the only way to 100 percent prevent accidental litters.

Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!

TIP! Make sure your cat is always well groomed. They need to be brushed every day.

Keeping cats from a counter really can be tough. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see what’s going on around the house. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.

Try to figure out why your cat makes meowing sounds. As you develop a relationship with your cat over time, it will become easier to determine why she is meowing. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.

Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. Consider placing the cat food on a location away from where the dog can reach. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.

TIP! Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need.

Understand that leaving a small kitten together with small children can be dangerous to both. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.

Cats enjoy being high up. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This is something that comes naturally and is not learned. 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.

TIP! Cats are curious by nature, which can end up getting them into trouble. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous.

Owning a cat means a fair amount of work on your part. Make use of the excellent advice provided here to ensure you are doing all you can for your cat. The effort expended will be well worth it, and will be rewarded in many ways.