Cats aren’t cheap to keep healthy and happy. Litter, toys, food and vet bills all 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. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled. This could seriously injure or even kill them. It is highly recommended that you keep all drape cords pinned in such a way that the cat can’t see them so as to prevent any accidents.

TIP! Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Put your electronics away so your cat is not tempted to chew on the cords.

Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. Sadly, this is overlooked by many cat owners. Boredom can beget illness. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. You need to provide your cats with something they can climb and scratch.

Litter Box

TIP! Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues.

Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.

If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.

When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Make sure the children know where the cat is and is not allowed to roam. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.

TIP! It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are.

Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Cats like running water in the wild, as well as in the home. Cats react better to a moving water stream. In fact, the running water in a sink garnishes more attention from a cat than their water bowl usually does. A fountain will allow your cat to have the happiness of drinking from running water.

Getting a second cat is usually beneficial to both, but you have to give the two cats a few weeks to get acclimated to each other. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. But, eventually, they will get used to the idea, and begin to tolerate, and even enjoy, each other’s company.

If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. Cats may show this behavior if they develop an infection of the urinary tract, or some other health issue. In many cases, cheap antibiotics will resolve the problem and keep your cat healthy.

TIP! You have to place a litter box correctly. Keep the litter from the cat food, and avoid placing it in a busy area.

Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. You should take your cat to the vet if you think there is something wrong with your pet.

Have your cat sport a collar that includes information regarding the owner’s name, address and telephone number. Even a house cat may get outside. It that is the case, you should make certain they have the ability to get back home.

Keep an eye on your cat if he or she is panting. Understand that dogs panting is normal; however, this is not the case for cats. If a cat is panting, it might indicate simple anxiety or overheating. On the other hand, it may a symptom of a more serious health problem. Do not hesitate to contact a vet, particularly if there has been a history of respiratory problems.

TIP! Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well.

If your cat is prone to hairballs and additional brushing has no effect, you may be able to resolve the problem in other ways. Mix about a teaspoon full of pumpkin into your cats’ food. A teaspoon of tuna can water can be mixed with it for flavor’s sake. Some cat foods even have anti-hairball benefits.

Cats are one of many pets that are pricy to care for. It can feel as though you’re actually caring for a child. As you now know, you can curtail the expenses of having cats while you still get to enjoy giving them good care.