The poet T.S. He described them as creatures that the house depends on, and there is some truth to that. A cat that is healthy and well mannered can be a great addition to any home. Unfortunately, some cats do not fit this “perfect” mold. You should keep reading to learn how you can become a better pet owner.

Keep your drape cords 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. It may actually cause them some serious harm. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.

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

If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.

Make sure that your cat is well groomed. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis. Doing it constantly can help you keep their coats clean. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.

If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. If an indoor cat gets out, you may soon have kittens. Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.

TIP! If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day.

If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.

Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.

Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them. You may mitigate the problem by providing designated heights for them to use. Putting a cat tower in or near the kitchen can help keep the cats from laying on the counter.

TIP! Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog.

Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Like people, cats like to socialize and need to feel like they’re an essential part of your life. They want to know they are a valuable part of the family too.

While cats can be finicky and demanding, loving and taking care of a cat can be very rewarding. No matter how active or lazy your cat may be, the advice you have read will help the two of you get along better. Those meows will be replaced with purrs in short order.