When you want to get a pet that’s great, a cat is a good idea. If you’re considering adding a cat to your family, read this article. Continue reading to learn some excellent advice on how to raise a happy cat.

Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.

TIP! If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable.

Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Cats require plenty of exercise. Too frequently this need is overlooked by owners. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. If you have an indoor cat, provide a kitty gym for them to climb on or a scratching post.

Cats are nocturnal animals. They get very active at night. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.

TIP! Small places are spots cats love to get into. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous.

You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.

If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. After you have lived with your cat for a while, you will come to know what she wants by her meow. This could mean that your cat needs to go out or is hungry. Listen to what’s she’s trying to tell you, and you’ll begin to understand her cues.

Cats have a love affair with heights. Make sure your cat has a safe place to play. If you’re averse to cat trees for some reason, a shelf without breakable items will work. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.

Litter Box

Don’t try and teach your kitty how the litter box is supposed to be used. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.

Brush your pet often. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin’s blood flow. It also gets rid of shedding hair. This will help to eliminate hairballs, which build in your cat’s stomach and prevents it from grooming itself.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window.

You cat will not be likely to be a finicky eater if you vary the type of food you are feeding from time to time. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.

Choosing a cat for your next pet is a good decision. They are a source of comfort and reduce stress. But, you must understand proper cat care in order to have a happy animal. Taking the advice contained in this article means your cat is sure to live out a long lifespan.