Sometimes, cats will rack up the bills for you. Food, medical expenses, litter and toys can really add up. The following article will teach you what you need to know about caring for a cat.

Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This can definitely hurt them, and it could even kill them. Be sure your drape cords are strongly secured.

TIP! Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill.

Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. Adopting your cat through a shelter means you are helping to control the cat population and saving a life at the same time.

Good grooming is important for cats. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis. Do this often in order to aid in keeping your cat’s outer coat clean and healthy. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Regularly grooming keeps cats looking well and keeps your home neater.

Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.

TIP! Give your kitty lots of love. They give lots of affection and need some in return.

Always watch a kitten around small kids. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. 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.

Cats feel safest in an elevated location. To keep your cat happy, offer him a spot of his own up high where he can survey his kingdom. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. Putting a soft cat bed on the shelf can help to add a little comfort.

Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. This will be something that the cat does on its own and it usually is not learned fro another. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.

Litter Box

Never reprimand your cat for missing the litter box. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. Punishing the cat will only make him afraid to be around you in the future.

Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.

TIP! Cats enjoy high places. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness.

Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Always look at the ingredients first. You want to see either fish, chicken or beef noted. Steer clear of food made primarily of corn and fillers. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.

Any pet can cost a lot to properly care for, and that is also true of cats. Caring for cat is almost like having a child, considering what needs to be done to take care of them. As you’ve seen here, your cat expenditures can be reduced while still allowing you to take good care of your cat.