If your cat isn’t taking a nap, it needs a way to stay busy. If left alone, cats can scratch up all your furniture. Having cat toys around can help prevent this. The article below will show you a few of the most popular toys that your cat will enjoy.

If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.

TIP! Keep drape cords away from cats. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops.

Microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. They are impossible for your pet to lose, and most vets and shelters have equipment that can read these chips.

Don’t allow your cat become bored. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise. But many cat owners ignore that need. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Give them plenty of space to roam and provide them with toys to give them some exercise. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.

Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This means that they will usually be quite active at night. Close your bedroom door if your cat is driving you nuts at night. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.

Litter Box

Location is key when placing a litter box. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Make sure it’s properly ventilated to keep smell down. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.

Cats love to be clean. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hairballs, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.

TIP! If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape.

If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Let your cat have food that doesn’t have a lot of magnesium in it. Go over the label carefully. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.

If you give your kids a kitten, provide them with firm boundaries at the same time. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. It’s also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn’t escape. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.

Try to figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. The more time you spend with your cat, the better you’ll understand what its meows mean. This could mean that your cat needs to go out or is hungry. Look for the cues and you’ll be much more in tune with your pet.

TIP! Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores.

Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. By feeding the cat the same kind of food over and over again, they become used to that specific food. Good luck getting it to try something new!

You cat should get cat food that is of a good quality. Carefully look over ingredients, and be sure that a quality protein source like chicken, fish, or beef is at the beginning of the list. Don’t give your cat foods that have corn or other elements that have no protein. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.

Drinking Fountain

TIP! You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are.

Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Most cats will prefer drinking water that is running over drinking water in a bowl. Streaming water is your best bet. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.

You need to carefully consider where you put the litter box for your cat. You may want to place in some out-of-the-way corner so the smell doesn’t bother anyone. However, it’s important to make sure your cat can easily access its litter box. Cats tend to be finicky so you need to give them an environment that isn’t off-putting or inconvenient. For example, a rug or mat is a good way to make a litter box placed on a concrete floor more attractive to your cat.

If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. There are a number of health issues that can lead a well-trained cat to urinate in places other than 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. Ask your vet if your cat begins missing the litter box.

TIP! You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online.

Give the cat a collar with your contact information. An indoor cat should also have a tag with this information because he or she can sometimes escape. If this should happen, you will have a better chance of getting your cat back home.

Cats can have a great deal of energy, making them fun and interactive pets. Not only will it help them release that energy, it will keep them away from your valuable furnishings. Use what you learned here.