Cats can make great pets! A good portion of the domesticated cat population is composed of them and they can sometimes be trouble. Dealing with this issue costs businesses a lot of money due to lost customers.

Local Shelter

TIP! An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost.

Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.

If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only. One escape can lead to a lot of small kittens around! If your cat has been spayed, however, you won’t have to worry about this happening.

Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.

TIP! A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower.

If you’re taking a trip with your cat, be sure to protect its ears. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.

If you give your kids a kitten, provide them with firm boundaries at the same time. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. Be sure that your children understand that an indoor cat must never be allowed outdoors. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. For this reason, you need to place your cat’s bowl in an area that is to high for a dog to reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.

TIP! Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are.

Always watch a kitten around small kids. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. Younger children cannot fully understand how to properly handle a small pet. When your children age, you will realize when they’re able to deal with a pet.

Brush your pet often. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. It will also minimize hair loss. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet’s stomach and they later cough it up.

Your cat should like their carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. Inside the carrier, put a favorite toy and blanket. Leave it open in an area the cat will see. Eventually, the cat will go into the carrier naturally and feel comfortable. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.

TIP! Normally cats are nocturnal animals. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping.

You should now know more about having a pet cat. Cats can make great companions. Of course, you have to remember that cats can be sensitive so they need to be carefully cared for. Who knows, you might even find a feral cat that you like!