Cats are amazing to watch and obviously make exceptional pets. They have an independent nature, so they are fine if you are busy and are gone to work during the day. Implement the tips in the article below to make sure your cat leads a long and happy life.

Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.

TIP! Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Cats enjoy getting into spaces that are small. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. It can really be a life saver for your cat.

Prevent your cat from chewing on electrical cords by spraying bitter apple on them. If that doesn’t work, cover those cords up however you can. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. Store electronics when they are not in use rather than leaving them plugged in.

It may prove quite a challenge to make your cat stay off counter tops. Cats like to climb on things and a counter can look very inviting. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.

TIP! Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need.

Cats frequently groom themselves. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.

While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.

Carriers are great devices for you to have as a cat owner. Cats never respond to punishment the way that dogs do. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. Then, you will have no problem using the carrier.

TIP! Small places are spots cats love to get into. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar.

To avoid having a picky cat, switch up the kinds of foods you give him. If you start them off eating the same type of food all of the time and you never change it up, this will most likely be the only food they will eat in the future.

Don’t get rid of an old scratching post. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.

Buy your cat a fountain to drink from. Cats like their water to move. Cats seem to like a water stream better. In fact, there are cats that enjoy drinking from a running sink instead of a bowl. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.

TIP! If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you.

Feeding your cat the proper canned food is ideal. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. Canned foods are also richer in fat, proteins and will help hydrate your cat. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. Speak with the vet, but food in cans tends to be better.

Frequent urination outside the litter box may indicate a visit to the vet is required. This may be a symptom of an infection of the urinary tract or another health problem in your cat. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.

Some food you eat isn’t good to feed your cat. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic and green tomatoes. Your cat can get sick after eating these foods. Milk can also upset your cats’ stomach.

TIP! It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up.

Cats do best on a diet high in dry food. Small kittens do well on wet food, since their teeth are small. As the adult teeth grow in, hard food can help to clean and strengthen the teeth. Try combining both dry and wet food together should you have a finicky feline.

Overfeeding your cat can dramatically affect its future health. Overfeeding your cat may cause it to become obese and develop serious medical issues. Don’t overfeed your cat and ensure that his diet is healthy.

Cats are wonderful pets, as they are smart, loveable, and independent. But, you need to learn all you can about cat care. Learn all you can to be the best cat owner possible. This way, your cat can enjoy a fun and fulfilling life.