Many people really are not prepared for the full responsibility of cat ownership. Never purchase a cat before you plan in advance. But because they are curious creatures, some mishaps will still occur even with planning. The best thing to do is to read this article, but be ready for anything.

Keep drape cords away from cats. Don’t let the cat play with them since they can jump into them or play with them and get them around their neck if they have loops. This could kill them. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.

TIP! Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable.

Look a local animal shelters for cats. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.

Electrical Cords

TIP! Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. If your cat is especially intent on chewing cords, keep them covered as much as possible.

Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can. Bundle electrical cords together inside a tube. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. This can encourage cats to scratch something other than things that are off-limits. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.

If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.

TIP! Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings.

Do you own a dog and a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. Consider placing the cat food on a location away from where the dog can reach. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.

Loose Hair

Give your cat a good brushing regularly. This can help spread their fur’s natural oils around and stimulate blood flow to their skin. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet’s stomach and they later cough it up.

TIP! Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn’t going to enjoy the vet bill.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. While punishment is a good strategy to train dogs, it is not adapted to cats. They like responding to encouragement better. Put a nice blanket inside the carrier then leave it where the cat is most often. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.

Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. Cats love them! Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. They are more likely to get plenty of water when it is running. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. This is a more natural way for them to drink.

TIP! Create a little tablecloth for your cat. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side.

It is important that your cat always where a collar that identifies them. This is very important for indoor cats. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This is crucial if your cat requires special medical attention.

Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. Eventually they are going to get used to each other, and they may even end up becoming best friends.

These tips for training cats can be applied to any breed or age as well as to any location. You also need to get to know your cat better so you can adapt to its needs and habits. Always keep in mind that it’s good to enjoy your cat while using the above tips.