You have the opportunity to make an animal’s life better. Many cats are available for those who can offer a loving home. The only thing you need to do is bring one home and take good care of it, something the tips below will help you do.

Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This could lead to a severe injury or even death. Keep your drape cords pinned out of sight to prevent this.

TIP! Make sure your cat is always well groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat.

Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.

Good grooming is important for cats. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. If you do this frequently you’ll be able to help the cat have clean fur. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.

Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. 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. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.

TIP! You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay.

Cats can really scratch up your home. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in. Encourage them to scratch that instead. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.

Pick a good spot for the cat’s litter box. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. This will make you and your cat happy.

Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You may love belting out your favorite tunes as you drive on the freeway, but your cat probably enjoys softer sounds. Turn down the music and let the cat rest.

TIP! Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs.

Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Cats should be handled more gently since their bones are more fragile than those of dogs.

A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. That means you will have to tidy up the food left beside the cat bowl. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.

You need to provide your cat with a drinking fountain. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. A constant stream of water will entice them to stay hydrated. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. Drinking fountains are more environmentally-friendly and they let your cat drink naturally.

TIP! Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged.

If you are lucky enough to have a cat that has a lot of hairballs, and brushing doesn’t seem to be helping to lessen them, then the following tips might help. Mix one teaspoon of pumpkin into your cat’s regular food. Add in an extra spoonful of water if the mixture is too thick. There are foods that inhibit hairballs which have fiber in them. They might take care of the issue.

Having your own pet is proven to make your life happier. The love you give to a cat fulfills one of its basic needs. You will develop a strong bond with your cat that will last a lifetime. Be sure you properly care for your cat, and it will also take care of you.