The care and companionship you provide for your cat can improve its quality of life. In some cases, it can even save a life! Millions of cats are out there and need a home. If you have always wanted to know how to adopt a cat, this article can help you.

Female Cat

TIP! Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. If your cat is especially intent on chewing cords, keep them covered as much as possible.

If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.

Never use a product on your cat that is intended for dogs. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. These products can be fatal for your cat. In fact, it is a good idea to separate your cat and dog for a few hours after your dog has taken flea medication.

Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. Any loose cords should be bundled up and placed in things like paper towel rolls. Any electrical cords that are really thin (and very tempting) should really be hidden whenever possible.

TIP! Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. 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.

It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. They love to be able to look around from up high. One way to nip this problem in the bud is to give your cat a dedicated perch of their own as an alternative to using your space. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.

It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. You can use a microchip instead; you can store your contact information in the chip and it will not bother your cat. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.

Litter Box

TIP! A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point.

Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. This will keep both you and your cat happy.

It’s often cheaper to buy medicine for your cat on the Internet instead of through your vet. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. But, if you’re having to buy pet medication regularly, you will be able to save up to half the price if you buy online.

Be careful as small kids may treat kittens too roughly. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.

TIP! Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat.

If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.

Why is your cat meowing? The more time you spend with your cat, the better you’ll understand what its meows mean. It may be a sign your cat needs food, or needs to be let outdoors. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.

Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. Cats come to harm outside every day. It takes mere minutes for your cats to pick up fleas, be bitten by a tick or something far worse. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.

TIP! Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic.

You should feel proud about your ability to care for your cat. Through opening your home and heart, you help an animal that needs you. You’ll also build a relationship with your pet. Take care of your cat and your cat will take care of you.