A cat is an inquisitive, affectionate, loving addition for any family, and adopting one can add a great deal of quality time to your life. Sometimes you should provide the entertainment yourself with something like a new toy, game, or activity. Spending money on a cat’s entertainment is not necessary, but it is fun sometimes. These tips make for much better days.

Groom your cat. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. Also, this can eliminate the constant shedding that you will deal with. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter.

Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. Most office stores sell a tube that you can stick all of your wires and cords through if the spray doesn’t work. Use paper towel or wrapping paper rolls to bundle up cords. If you have rarely used electronics, put them up when you aren’t using them.

It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off the counter.

Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. Other measures like tags and collars are better than nothing, but your cat may wriggle out of them or they may be torn off by outdoor hazards. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.

TIP! Cats like sneaking into small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped.

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.

Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.

If you’re getting a kitten for your children, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.

TIP! Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees.

Cats enjoy heights. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.

Litter Box

You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only.

When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Check out the box instead and see if it has been neglected; this is often a cause of accidents. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.

Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. 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.

Feed your cat top quality food. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. Corn and other such protein-free fillers are things you want to stay well away from. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.

Drinking Fountain

Consider buying your cat a special drinking fountain. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. Actually, certain cats like to drink right from the sink faucet as it runs. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.

Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. This could be a side effect of a health problem. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.

TIP! Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you.

If you own a declawed cat, do not let it outdoors. A clawless cat will have no defense against other animals, and when they’re outside they’ll run risk of death or injury. Indoor cats are the only type of cat that needs to be declawed. However, you should still only remove the cat’s front claws. Leave the back claws, as these do not scratch your floors or furniture.

You should never let your cat use meds that were designed for people. Only use medicine that has been prescribed or recommended by a vet. Giving your pet medication that was meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and it may even cause death.

While reading this article, did you notice any areas for improvement in your own home? If so, it’s time to take action. Not all cats are the same, but these tips should work on yours. If you take good care of your pet and keep it active, it’ll live a happier, longer life.