Cats are interesting creatures that are great pets. As a cat-owner, it is crucial that you educate yourself on proper cat-care and learn everything you can to ensure that your lovable feline friend enjoys a healthy and fulfilling life. Read this article thoroughly to pick up some great cat tips.

Look a local animal shelters for cats. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.

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.

Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. It can really be a life saver for your cat.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. One way to nip this problem in the bud is to give your cat a dedicated perch of their own as an alternative to using your space. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.

Litter Box

Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.

When getting a little kitty for your kid, set boundaries beforehand. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.

TIP! Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords.

Are you a cat and dog owner? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.

Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.

It is important that your cat always where a collar that identifies them. Even an indoor pet should have this. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.

TIP! Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high.

Is there cat hair all over every surface in your home? Cats shed considerably; therefore, it is very important you brush them frequently. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.

Put some thought into where you place the litter box. It is tempting to place it out of sight, in order to avoid the image of it or smells that go along with dirty litter. But the most important factor is making sure your cat can easily access its littler box. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. If you are going to put the litter box in a room without carpet, put a mat beneath it to keep the box warm.

If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.

TIP! 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 some cases in which you cannot buy online, such as in an emergency.

Cats are wonderful pets, as previously discussed. To help you cat stay happy and healthy learn the proper procedures for caring for your new pet. Refer back to this article whenever you have questions or concerns. Your cat will thank you!