Given the chance to do so, would you like to save the life of a cat? There are literally millions of cats that need a good home. You simply have to adopt one, and the article below will teach you how.

Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck. Put a breakaway collar on instead. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.

TIP! You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them.

Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. It shouldn’t be put in an area with high traffic and should be far from their food. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. This will keep both you and your cat happy.

Make sure your cat gets lots of love. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. Make her feel like she is part of your family.

Find cat medicine online if you want to get discounts. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can often save up to 50 percent by shopping online.

TIP! Brush and trim your cat’s fur often to keep it looking sharp. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling.

Try not to let your cat go outside. This could be harmful and unsafe. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. Other animals and vehicles could also injure your cat. If you still insist your cat be able to go outside, then do so in the fenced backyard.

You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? There are online cat forums that allow you to ask questions as well.

Litter Box

TIP! A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post.

You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.

Vary your cat’s diet just a tiny bit to keep them from being picky. Cats who eat the same food day after day either grow tired of it, or it becomes the only food that they will eat.

If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. You may believe that it’s in terrible condition, but cats typically prefer it this way. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.

TIP! A lot of cat owners have a hard time keeping their cats off the counter. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them.

It is important for a cat to have play time. Many animals like to play, and that includes humans and cats. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.

Aired Cats

You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. Long-haired cats shed constantly, and the fur ends up on your clothing, floors, and everything else in your home. Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. Long-haired cats usually suffer from hairball problems too.

TIP! You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window.

Are you having a hard time getting rid of cat hair? Cats can shed quite a bit; therefore, it’s important that you maintain proper grooming habits by brushing them often. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. Brushing can help prevent their fur from matting or tangling.

Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. Kids need shots, and so do cats. Your cat is a family member and ought to be treated as such.

If you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, you’ll want to contact your vet. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. A variety of infections and kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the box when they suddenly associate it with pain due to their medical condition. Call the vet if your cat refuses to use the litter box.

TIP! If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. Cats tend to prefer gentle sounds during the day.

If your pet is avoiding its litter box, try moving it to a different spot. The cat instinctively feels vulnerable when using the litter box, so make sure it’s in a location that’s totally quiet and safe. Try placing it in a laundry room or a basement, where there is limited traffic in the home.

Chemicals containing phenol shouldn’t be anywhere near your cat. Many household cleaners, like Pine-Sol and Lysol, contain this chemical. Cats hate the smell of phenol and continuously exposing them to it could cause liver problems later in their lives.

If you were unemployed when you got your cat, but are now heading back to work, your pet will probably have issues with loneliness. One possible solution to ending your cat’s loneliness is to adopt a second cat.

TIP! Speak to your peers about your cat issues. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.

Cats do best on a diet high in dry food. Small kittens do well on wet food, since their teeth are small. As they develop adult teeth, the harder dry food helps to keep their teeth strong. You can also mix wet and dry food together if your cat is really picky.

Don’t be tempted to bathe your cat. However, many owners don’t realize that this is often not necessary. Cats are addicted to being clean and spend a lot of time grooming themselves. They have barbed tongues that allow them to remove lots of dirt from their coats. Cats are very particular about their appearance!

Caring for a kitty is something that is enjoyable and rewarding. You are sharing your home with an animal that really needs your love. As a pet owner, you can bond with your new cat in a mutually beneficial relationship. Take care of them and they’ll care for you.