Many people agree that cats are the best pets available. As the owner of a cat, you have the special responsibility to provide adequate attention, care and grooming to this ensure a healthy life. Keep reading to learn more about cat care.

Drape Cords

TIP! If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services.

Keep your drape cords away from your cats. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This could cause injury or death. All drape cords should be fastened and kept away from any harm that might come to the cats.

Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.

Cats like sneaking into small spaces. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.

TIP! Make sure your cat is always well groomed. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis.

If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.

Don’t allow your cat become bored. Cats require plenty of exercise. Too many cat owners forget this simple fact. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.

Cats will be up during the night more often than not. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. Close the door to prevent the noise from getting to you. This will ensure they don’t pounce on you at nighttime, or wake you up in other ways.

Litter Box

Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Not only will your cat appreciate it but you will too.

Cats generally will meow for a reason. The more time you spend with your cat, the better you’ll understand what its meows mean. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. Look for the cues and you’ll be much more in tune with your pet.

TIP! If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost.

If you’re thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. Your cat might not be safe outside. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

Do you have both a cat and dog? Dogs will eat cat food right up. That’s why you should place your cat’s food in a place which is hard for your dog to reach. The added benefit is that you will prevent fights over the other animals food and water when one of them runs out.

Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. 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. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.

Canned Cat

If possible, always choose canned cat food. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. Your cat will get more water and more vitamins and protein. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.

Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. Many cat owners feel inclined to hide the litter box. However, your cat’s litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. A finicky cat may not use the litter box if the environment is very inconvenient. If the litter box is on a hard surface, make sure to put something soft underneath it.

TIP! Cats will be up during the night more often than not. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark.

Your cat will thank you if you avoid phenol in your cleaning products. This chemical is often found in cleaning products such as Pine-Sol and Lysol. Your little friends find this smell completely offensive. Even worse it can cause liver damage over time.

Don’t give your cat medicine that is meant for humans. If you cat suffers from health issues, ask your vet for his recommended treatment option. Your cat could become very sick or perhaps die when taking your medication.

Cats can make fantastic pets. However, in order to enjoy your cat, you need to educate yourself on how to best care for it. Keep the tips you’ve read here in mind and enjoy your feline friend. Your cat will show you gratitude.