Would you save the life of an animal if you could? There are millions of cats out there who are in need of a good home. Simply bring one home, make a friend for the rest of the cat’s life, and use the advice in this article.

Make sure you don’t allow your cat to be around drape cords. Whenever cats jump on these cords, they might get tangled up in them. This could seriously injure or even kill them. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.

TIP! Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services.

You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease. Your vet can also check the overall health of your cat. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.

The claws of a cat can really destroy parts of your house and furniture. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. This approach takes time, but it usually works.

Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.

TIP! Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups.

If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. While you may like some good tunes, your cat is going to appreciate other things. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.

Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.

If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.

TIP! Microchip your cat. Even indoor cats get out sometimes.

Brush your cat daily. The act of brushing helps the coat become glossy, and it helps stimulate the skin. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.

When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. If you get mad, they’ll never use the box again.

Scratching Post

TIP! Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option.

Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.

There are certain human foods that you should never feed to cats. A few unhealthy food items for cats are green tomatoes, grapes, garlic and onions. If your cat eats these foods, he may become sick or even die. Refrain from feeding your cat dairy products as well.

Overfeeding your cat can result in serious health issues as he ages. If your cat eats too much, it may end up being overweight and have health issues. Feed your cat only as much as the packaging suggests.

TIP! When traveling on the road with your cat, understand that they are sensitive to sounds. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds.

You should be proud to take care of your kitty. You’re making a conscious decision to love an animal and provide it with the care that it needs to survive. Your cat and you will having a lifelong bond. Properly caring for your cat will ensure that this loving bond remains intact.