The care and companionship you provide for your cat can improve its quality of life. In some cases, it can even save a life! Many, many cats are waiting for a loving home. Simply adopt a cat and use this article as your guide to properly caring for it.

Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. 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 may harm or kill them. Secure your cords so they are out of the way and out of sight.

TIP! Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.

Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.

It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see what’s going on around the house. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. A cat tower near your kitchen can give them a place to watch you that is out of the way.

Litter Box

Put the litter box in an ideal location. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!

Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. To assist your cat if it has this problem, you should get food that’s special. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.

TIP! Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring.

If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You and your cat probably have different ideas about the ideal volume for the car stereo, for instance: Remember that your cat’s hearing is more sensitive than yours. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!

Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. Think about putting a placemat underneath the bowl or make your own tablecloth out of fabric.

Why is your cat meowing? Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. The cat might want something to eat, or just to go outside. Make sure you are paying attention in order to better understand your cat.

TIP! It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even indoor cats get out sometimes.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.

Cats enjoy being in high places. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. You can use a cleared shelf if you’d rather not have a cat tree. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.

When something seems amiss with your feline friend, speak with other cat owners. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.

TIP! Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Your cat needs plenty of exercise.

Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. The tag should have your name and address and also your vet’s. Obviously, this is particularly important for pets who have special health concerns.

If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. This could be a side effect of a health problem. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Ask your vet if your cat begins missing the litter box.

Cat owners should be proud of loving their cats so much. You are giving a home to an innocent animal. This will most certainly cause a strong bond to form, lasting even longer than the animal is alive. Give your time and affection to your cat, and it is almost certain that you will receive the same in return.