Cats are sophisticated animals. They are also very common household members across the world, and can be found in houses and on the busy streets of almost every major city. It may be difficult to live with a cat for the first time. Read here for excellent ideas on how to handle your hardheaded animal.

Animal Shelter

TIP! If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is 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.

Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. That’ll keep kitty safe.

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. Cats who love to chew need to be kept away from cords. Tuck loose cords into old toilet paper or paper towel rolls. The cords on electronics should be hidden as well.

TIP! You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window.

Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. You need to get a scratching post or a cat tower to prevent your cat from ruining your furniture. They can scratch the post instead. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.

Most cats are nocturnal. They get very active at night. Close your bedroom door if your cat is driving you nuts at night. It also protects your toes from those crafty midnight pounces.

Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. Cats need companionship as much as we do. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. Make them feel at home.

TIP! If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You might love blasting your favorite music while driving, but they enjoy softer sounds.

Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.

A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned 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.

Do you own a dog and a cat? Understand that dogs will usually eat cat’s food if they can. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This can prevent squabbles over water when their food is gone.

TIP! Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now.

Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.

Brush your cat on a regular basis. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.

Outsmarting a cat may take some work, but with the tips you learned here it can become second nature. Your cat will quickly learn where it is permitted to be and where it is not. While dogs might be easier to train, cats are very respectable animals that stay well-trained and well-mannered.