Cats are amazing pets. They are independent, so they do not require you to supervise them 24/7. The tips below will ensure your cat is as happy as it can be.

Drape Cords

TIP! Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks.

If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. Never let your cats play with drape cords, as they could seriously injure themselves. They could be seriously hurt or even killed. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.

When looking for a new cat for your home, contact a local animal shelter. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.

Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.

TIP! Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat.

You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.

Cats are often nocturnal creatures. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night. If your cats keep you up at night, kick them out of the bedroom. You can keep them from bothering you at night and getting your feet while you’re under covers.

Cats will often devote most of their time to grooming. Long hair encourages hairballs. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs.

Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Teach them about appropriate activities and how to gentle pick up the cat. The bones of a cat are weaker than a dogs, therefore, they should be handled with care.

Create a tablecloth just for your cat. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This can lead to a big clean-up. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.

Try to figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

TIP! Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window.

You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors. Cats can become infected with fleas, ticks and ringworm. They might get injured by some other animals, vehicles, or people. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.

Cats enjoy high places. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.

Does it feel like your home is overrun with your cat’s hair? Cats are shedding machines, which means you need to brush them to keep the shedding under control. The more a cat sheds, the moor they should be properly brushed. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.

TIP! Avoid letting your cat get bored. Your cat needs plenty of exercise.

Taking your cat to the vet regularly to get proper vaccinations and check-ups will ensure that your pet enjoys a long and healthy life with you. It is especially important that you get good vet care for kittens so they get all the shots they need. When you have a cat, it becomes a member of your family, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.

Litter Box

Take note if the cat ceases using its litter box. Abandoning proper litter box habits is often a warning sign of serious health problems in cats. 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. Speak with a veterinarian if you have a cat that has these issues.

TIP! Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us.

A fun, intelligent and loving cat is a great pet for your family. Educate yourself to make sure your cat is properly taken care of. Remember the included information and you can be the best cat owner imaginable. This way, your cat can enjoy a fun and fulfilling life.