“Feral” is a term for cats that have no home and wander the streets. These cats are abandoned and make up almost half of the whole cat population. Many businesses lose customers and money because of these cats.

Keep drape cords away from cats. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.

TIP! Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. There are so many great cats at shelters.

If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.

Cat Needs

TIP! If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat.

Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. Make them feel at home.

Try to figure out why your cat meows. 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. Make sure you are paying attention in order to better understand your cat.

If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. Punishments given to the cat will just make him or her less willing to be around its owner going forward.

TIP! Your furnishings and belongings can easily be ruined by a cat’s claws. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower.

Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. Cats who eat the same food day after day either grow tired of it, or it becomes the only food that they will eat.

Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. You should check the ingredients and make sure the food you give your cat includes a healthy source of protein, such as chicken, fish or beef. Avoid brands that use non-meat fillers like corn. Cats need meat, not vegetables.

Litter Box

TIP! While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats.

Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. Many people want it in an out of the way spot. You have to accept the fact that easy access for your cat is the first priority in choosing a spot for the litter box. Cats can be finicky; that’s why you should give them space for their litter box that is familiar and does not put them off. For example, a rug or mat is a good way to make a litter box placed on a concrete floor more attractive to your cat.

Take your cat for vaccinations often to make sure he or she is healthy. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. Your kitty is a member of your family, so you need to treat him like one.

Keep products containing phenol away from your cat. This chemical is often in Lysol and certain other regular household cleaners. The smell offends them and being exposed to it for several hours can cause liver problems.

Outdoor Cats

It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. Research has shown that indoor cats have longer life spans than outdoor cats. Outdoor cats can be attacked by other animals and exposed to many harmful influences. Play with your cat daily to give it adequate exercise.

A cat that is declawed should never spend time being outside. Since the cat is not able to adequately defend himself from attack, there is a risk of serious injury. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. If you must declaw a cat, only do it to the front paws. Don’t have the back claws removed, since cats don’t use them to scratch up your house.

TIP! Cats enjoy heights. A happy cat is one that has a safe living environment.

Cats have a keen sense of smell and notice the smallest things. This is why it is sometimes difficult to get them to use something new, like a bowl or cat toy. Your cat may not initially appreciate a new pet. As the smell of your home gets onto the items, they’ll warm up to them.

Look around your home for holes that can make a cat become stuck. Cats are extremely agile; therefore, they can easily fit into small holes that you thought were impossible for them to fit into. Kittens are even smaller! Remember this if you bring a new cat or kitten home. When you find a hole that may be dangerous, make the necessary repairs right away.

Your cat should always wear a collar with tags. Cats are intelligent and will take whatever chance they can get to go outside. A tagged animal has a much better chance of being brought home.

TIP! If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you.

Be mindful that bringing another animal into your home can upset your cat. When first introducing the newer pet, keep the animals separated. Allow your cat to get familiar with the new smell. In time, it will be easier to gradually introduce the new animal to the cat.

If you have concerns about your outdoor felines straying far away, it may be wise to implant a microchip in each. If you realize your pet is missing, you can log onto a website and see exactly where they are, which means they will be much easier to recover.

Stray cats should no longer be a problem after reading this article. You will find that a fun cat is a great addition to your family. Obviously, cats are animals too, so they should still be handled carefully. Perhaps you will fall in love with a feral cat.