There are so many joys you can get from just having a cat. However, cats do require special care. There are special considerations that need to be considered when you own a cat. Luckily in this article you can figure out just what you’re going to have to do. Keep reading to discover more ideas for good pet care.

Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This could seriously injure or even kill them. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.

TIP! If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens.

If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.

It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. The majority of veterinarians possess scanners that can read your chips. Because these chips are placed underneath your cat’s skin, they won’t get lost.

Make sure your cat gets lots of love. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. They probably would like to feel as though they are a wanted part of the family.

TIP! Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up.

While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.

To avoid having a picky cat, switch up the kinds of foods you give him. This will ensure that your cat gets a taste of many different foods.

Provide your cat with canned food rather than dry. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. Your cat will get more water and more vitamins and protein. Older cats also find it easier to chew up. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.

TIP! Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Cats don’t like dog products.

Play is an essential element of a cat’s daily life. It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. Older cats do not have the same energy level as younger ones, but they still like to play a little. Therefore, be sure you set some time for playing with your cat.

Do you feel like everywhere you turn you are surrounded by your cats hair? Cats do a lot of shedding, and it helps to brush them. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. This also prevents matting and tangling.

Litter Box

TIP! Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away.

The location of a litter box is very important. Although you may want to have the litter box hidden in a place where you won’t smell it, your cat’s needs should be before your wants. However, your cat’s litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. A litter box located in the basement should be placed on a thick mat or rug.

Your cat should be kept healthy so that it can live a longer life. This can be done by making sure the cat is checked on by a vet and it has its shots. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. A cat is a member of the family, and therefore, is entitled to the same treatment as other loved ones.

When a dog wags its tail, the reason is because it is happy for some reason. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. A cat that is flicking its tail is either feeling threatened or predatory and is considering his next move. If you’re snuggling your kitty and you see its tail wag, it’s a sign you should put it down before you get scratched.

TIP! Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online.

As mentioned earlier, there’s a lot of great things about having a cat. But good care is key to enabling your cat to maximize the duration of its life. Keep this information in mind if you want to bring a cat into your home.