Having a happy and purring cat is a very enjoyable experience. This is a relaxing sound and can put you at ease. Caring for your cat properly can help to keep him content and happy. These cat care tips can turn you into a great caretaker.

Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This could seriously injure or even kill them. Keep all drape cords out of reach as a preventative measure.

TIP! You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it.

Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting 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.

Properly groom your cat. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. It also reduces their shedding and hairballs. Regularly grooming keeps cats looking well and keeps your home neater.

You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. A collar with tags increases your chances of getting your cat back if it gets lost but it can also be a risk, for instance if it gets snagged in some branches. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. Most shelters and veterinarians can scan your pet to read the information on the chip, and the chip cannot be lost since it is beneath the skin.

TIP! When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care.

Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. To ensure your cat’s trip is pleasant, turn off the music or keep the volume low.

When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Make sure the children know where the cat is and is not allowed to roam. If you’re planning on keeping your kitty inside full time, make sure your kids know their pet shouldn’t go outdoors. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.

Litter Box

TIP! Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations.

Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.

Brush your cat regularly. The act of brushing helps the coat become glossy, and it helps stimulate the skin. Brushing will also help to remove loose hair. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.

Your cat deserves a high quality food. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. Cats are carnivores so it is important for them to get enough animal protein in their diet.

TIP! Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog.

You should give your cat at least three weeks to grow used to the presence of a new animal. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. However, if you allow them to slowly get used to each other, they will eventually become friends.

Any person who has a cat wants to give them the best care possible, since a happy cat will purr more. Enjoying a cat includes the responsibility of taking good care of them. If the sound of a cat’s purr makes you smile, try these handy hints.