If you could save a cat’s life, would you? Cats and kittens are often found in shelters, just waiting for a loving family to adopt them. You simply have to adopt one, and the article below will teach you how.

Move any drape cords out of a cat’s reach. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks. This could kill them. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.

TIP! 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.

Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.

If you’d like to make an elderly cat’s bed more comfy, stick a heated tile beneath its bed. You can heat a terracotta tile in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Put it inside an old towel, then place it beneath the cat’s bed. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.

If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.

TIP! Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.

Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Nearly all veterinarians and shelters now have scanners capable of reading the information on these chips, and since they are under the skin, there is no chance of the chip getting lost.

Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. To ensure your cat’s trip is pleasant, turn off the music or keep the volume low.

TIP! You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. You can regularly brush or comb your cat.

Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.

Think twice before letting your cat outside. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If the cat must go outside, set aside a small part of the backyard or front lawn as a place where they can go.

Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. 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.

TIP! Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck.

Cats love high spots. Make sure your cat has a safe place to play. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.

You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.

Giving your love and attention to a cat is an admirable pursuit. The love you give to a cat fulfills one of its basic needs. Your cat and you will build a great bond relationship that will last a lifetime. Take great care of your cat and it will be rewarding.