Feral cats are ones that don’t have a home and live on the streets. 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. Keep reading for some excellent advice about taking care of your pet.

It may prove quite a challenge to make your cat stay off counter tops. They love being above everything so that they can watch it all. Give them an alternative. Having a cat tower near your kitchen will keep them off your counters.

TIP! Don’t let your cats play with drape cords. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. Microchips are very small, approximately as large as a single grain of rice. Although they are small, they can hold your entire contact information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.

Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. This means their behavior is quite active during the night. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. You won’t be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.

Give your cat plenty of love and affection. Your cat will enjoy your company if you pet and play with her. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.

TIP! You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required.

You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.

Cats and small children may not always mix. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Children need to know how to hold a cat and what sorts of play a cat likes. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.

Create a tablecloth for the feline. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.

TIP! Keep your cat away from boredom. Cats need to exercise and play.

If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. Though you want to handle problems on your own, you may require advice from others who own cats. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.

Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.

Don’t get rid of an old scratching post. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.

TIP! Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. In fact, the running water in a sink garnishes more attention from a cat than their water bowl usually does. A fountain keeps the water moving without letting any go to waste.

Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. Kittens, like children, need to have their vaccinations and wellness appointments regularly to prevent diseases and other health issues from becoming a problem later in life. Your cat is part of your family, and you should treat him as you would any other well-loved member of your household.

After reading this article, you should have a working knowledge on how to care for your cat. This article’s advice will point you in the right direction, so use it well. They can also be loving pets. Maybe you’ll find one you fall in love with.