A cat’s purr is one of the most satisfying sounds you can hear. Cats often purr when they are relaxed and content, and it can make you feel great, too. Caring for your cat properly can help to keep him content and happy. To make that purr an every day occurrence, follow these important tips.

Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.

TIP! Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. Do not let your cat play with these.

Spay your cat as soon as she is old enough. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. If your cat has been spayed, however, you won’t have to worry about this happening.

If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option. The savings can amount to almost 50 percent on regularly prescribed medications.

TIP! Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations.

Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. A lot of time cats will take their food from their bowls to eat it on the food bowl’s side. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.

Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.

Cats enjoy being high up. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. You can have a cat tree or even a strong wall shelf. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.

TIP! Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. Use a 12″ terra cotta tile and heat it by putting it in a 200ºF oven for 20 minutes.

Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners. There are also forums on the Internet which cater to cat parents.

Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. They’re doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.

To help avoid a finicky cat, feed your cat different brands of cat food. If you raise your kitten with the same food for their entire life, this can become the only type of food they will willingly eat.

TIP! Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower.

If your cat’s scratching post looks old and worn, don’t throw it away immediately. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. When you bring in a new post, the cat may ignore it.

You need to buy some quality food for your cat. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.

Anytime you get a new pet, you must introduce them to your cat slowly to help to avoid problems and let the cat get used to it. Keep them separated for at least two weeks, but let them sniff at each other under a closed door. In the beginning, they may not seem to get along at all. Sooner or later, they’ll tolerate and even begin to love each other.

TIP! Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything.

When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. Delivery can take between three and four hours. If your cat has still not given birth to all her kittens after six hours, get her to a vet right away.

When a dog wags its tail, the reason is because it is happy for some reason. When a cat wags its tail, it’s for a completely different reason. Tail-wagging in cats tends to suggest conflict or anxiety. If kitty starts wagging his tail while you’re holding him, it’s best to put him down so you don’t get scratched.

To the greatest extent possible, you’ll want to keep your cat close to you and your house. Indoor cats live longer and stay healthier. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.

TIP! Microchip your cat. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident.

Cats have a great sense of smell, which helps them easily grasp changes to their environment. This can lead to issues when you introduce something new, such as a new toy, bed, or food dish. Don’t let this discourage you. Eventually the cat will get used to the smell and things will go back to normal.

Any person who has a cat wants to give them the best care possible, since a happy cat will purr more. Caring for your animal can be simple if you employ the insights you have learned here. If the sound of a cat’s purr makes you smile, try these handy hints.