If you could save the life of an animal, would you? Millions of cats are out there and need a home. Simply adopt a cat and use this article as your guide to properly caring for it.

Don’t let your cat near drape cords. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Hide the cords for safety sake.

If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential 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.

If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.

Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. They can scratch the post instead. This solution might take time to take, but it will help in the end.

Cats will often devote most of their time to grooming. In long-haired cats, hairballs can result from excess grooming. Special food can help. Certain kinds of cat food are made to decrease hairballs. As a result, you and your cat will be happier.

If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. There may be some cases in which you cannot buy online, such as in an emergency. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can often save up to 50 percent by shopping online.

If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.

Don’t let your cat go outside. It can be unsafe. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As they grow, you will be able to decide when it is the right time for them to handle a cat or kitten without supervision.

Cats feel safest in an elevated location. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. You can use a cleared shelf if you’d rather not have a cat tree. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.

Keep old, worn scratching posts. When it is in this condition, cats tend to like it the most. If you replace it with something new, your pet might seek out something a little more worn to scratch – like your furniture.

Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. Running sink water is another alternative that you can use. A fountain keeps the water moving without letting any go to waste.

Play is essential to your cat’s life. Just like playtime is important for other types of pets, the same holds true for your cat, despite whatever their age happens to be. While a senior cat probably won’t be very rambunctious, the right type of toy will get them interested. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.

Litter Box

You should worry if your cat is no longer using its litter box. Many feline health conditions can cause a cat to urinate and defecate in random places outside of their litter box. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. If this happens, you are advised to take your cat to the vet.

When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. Cats also exhibit this tail-wagging behavior, but the message is different. Tail-wagging in cats tends to suggest conflict or anxiety. It’s especially important to keep an eye on your cat’s tail when you’re holding it. If you see it start to move, it’s time to put your pet down before you wind up getting scratched!

Consider making your cat an indoor-only friend. Cats that live outdoors live shorter lives, and can catch diseases more easily. You may even find that their diseases can affect your family members. Let your cat rest in a room with a lot of light; this will help satisfy his or her outdoor needs.

Your cat needs to wear a collar and tag all of the time. Cats are intelligent creatures and can easily find a way to get outside. The collar and tag will make it easier for them to get home.

You should be proud to take care of your kitty. Opening your home to someone in need is a selfless act, whether it is a person or an animal. The relationship between you and the cat you care for can last a lifetime. When you love your cat, it will love you back.