Feral cats are those without a home. Adopting a new kitten is a great way to help keep this population of wild animals down and you will find that a cat is a great pet to have. You can learn how to deal with these cats before they cost you money.

Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat’s life.

TIP! Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe.

Avoid using dog products on cats. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog. Be very careful with the flea products you use. Dog flea prevention products will kill your cat. If your dog has been treated for fleas, keep him away from your cat for at least three hours.

Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered. If you have any loose cords around your home, try stuffing them into a used paper towel roll. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.

Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. 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. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, it’s vital to get her spayed. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy.

Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.

The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food. Make sure it’s properly ventilated to keep smell down. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!

If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Make sure that you let your kids know which areas of the house the cat will be allowed in. If the cat is to be indoors, tell your children not to allow him outside. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.

TIP! Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. Cats love being up high so that they can see.

Are you a cat and dog owner? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This can also prevent unnecessary arguments between your pets over the water supply, once the food has been consumed.

Brush your cat at regular times. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. Brushing will also help to remove loose hair. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.

Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. They’re trying to tell you something is wrong. You can solve this problem thanks to some very affordable antibiotics.

Aired Cat

Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.

Where did you put the litter box? It’s tempting to keep it in an inconspicuous place where it won’t be seen or smelled. This litter box must stay in an easy-to-find spot for your cat. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. 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.

TIP! Cats are partially nocturnal. This means that they will usually be quite active at night.

It should now be possible for you to come out of your house and fight any stray cats that are trying to invade your yard. Cats can attack your other pets, tear up gardens, or call for their friends. Be wary handling or trying to remove feral cats from your yard. You may even find your best friend in a cat.