Cats are a very unique animal to own. Their independent nature is great if you lead a busy life and cannot be at home 24/7. Use what you will learn here to make sure your cat has a enjoyable and healthy life.

Cats will try to get into many different crevices. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.

TIP! Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them.

It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.

Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.

If you’re looking for good prices on cat medications, check online sources. The prices will usually be substantially better than at your vet. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. The savings can amount to almost 50 percent on regularly prescribed medications.

TIP! Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have great pets available for adoption, and the fee isn’t that high.

Make sure your kids know the rules before kitty comes home. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. If your children know the rules beforehand, mishaps are less likely.

Do you have dogs and cats? That dog will really love stalking (and eating) that cat food. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.

If you’re having an issue with your cat, try to get some input from other cat owners. You can often get great advice from friends and family. There are many online forums that discuss cats. Most vets will also be happy to help you with some advice.

TIP! You should be bringing your cat to their vet for a check-up regularly. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues.

Regularly brush your cat’s hair. This will help stimulate blood flow. It also gets rid of shedding hair. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.

Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. This is essential, even for indoor pets. You know how curious cats are, and any open door can mean the cat disappears. Include your contact number along with the name of your veterinarian. This is also important if your cat has special medical needs.

Cats need to play! It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. Older cats do not have the same energy level as younger ones, but they still like to play a little. Make sure you play with your cat at least once a day.

Cats Wag

Dogs usually wag their tails as a sign of friendly greeting or encouragement. Cats wag or move their tails from side to side as well, but not for the reasons dogs do. Cats wag tails if they sense conflict, or if they’re trying to decide whether to fight or flee. If you happen to be cuddling with your cat when the wagging occurs, be prepared to loosen your grip!

The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. Garlic and onions are popular examples. If your cat consumes these particular foods, it can get really sick. Milk upsets a cat’s stomach, too.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. It does not matter if you an indoor cat; if she gets out when in heat, you can end up with many kittens.

Any difference in the environment of your home is easily detected by the keen sense of smell that your cat possesses. This is why it is sometimes difficult to get them to use something new, like a bowl or cat toy. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. When your cat becomes more comfortable, he or she will adjust.

Your cat should be fed food that’s dry on a regular basis. As kittens, cats require wet food because of their tiny teeth. However, dry food is better for adult cat teeth. If you have a picky eater, you might want to try blending wet food with dry food.

Taking your cat to the vet is necessary, even though medical bills can add up. You can save by purchasing your pet medications online. Quite a few companies exist that offer home delivery of medications. If your cat is on any maintenance medications, this is a great method to use in order to keep a little money in your pocketbook while still caring for your pet.

TIP! Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up.

Due to their affectionate nature, their self-reliance, and their brains, cats are excellent animal companions. All cat owners should know how to care for their cats in the best ways. Study the information contained in this article very carefully to learn how to be an ideal cat owner. By following proper care, a cat can live a happy life for decades.