Cats are very loving and intelligent creatures. They provide a lot of entertainment for you and your family. You don’t always have to spend money to have fun with your cat. Use this advice to enjoy your life with your cat.

If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. If an indoor cat gets out, you may soon have kittens. A spayed cat is a safe cat.

TIP! Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter.

It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. You can remedy this by creating some place up high that you can can enjoy hanging out in. An excellent tool for preventing your cat from jumping on the counter is a cat tower that is in the kitchen.

Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. When children are over the age of five, then you should decide whether or not they are mature enough to handle a kitten.

You cat will not be likely to be a finicky eater if you vary the type of food you are feeding from time to time. If you feed them the same cat food every day, they may not accept anything else. This makes it difficult to find food they’ll eat when a store runs out of a certain brand, or you are traveling.

TIP! Small places are spots cats love to get into. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar.

Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! Cats prefer used scratching posts. By removing the old item and replacing it with a new one, your cat may try to find another item to scratch. This could end up being furniture.

Give your cat a water fountain. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Cats seem to like a water stream better. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.

If your cat is urinating a lot or in areas away from the litter box, they may need to see the vet. Cats often do such things when suffering from urinary tract infections or other sorts of health issues. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant.

Does your home feel inundated with balls of cat fur? Cats are known for shedding, so good grooming habits are a must. If your cat is shedding a lot, you should brush them more frequently. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.

Litter Box Suddenly

If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, get him to a vet for a visit.

TIP! Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. They should have regular check ups annually, and more appointments should be made if they need to get important shots.

If your feline friend is having kittens, make sure to give her lots of room to birth in. Delivery can take between three and four hours. Once 6 hours have passed, if all the kittens have not been delivered you should seek the help of a vet.

Dogs are known to way their tails. This means they are content or excited and is normal dog behavior. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. 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!

Cats’ powerful olfactory abilities mean that they can smell changes in their home. This may cause a problem if you give them a new bed, scratching post or food dish. Your cat will probably not like these items immediately; therefore, be patient. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they’ll be more interested in the new object.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him.

If you have been at home with your cat for an extended period and then return to work, it is quite possible that your cat will show signs of loneliness. Provide them with something to do while you’re gone, or consider adopting another cat.

Apply sticky tape to your furniture. If they scratch the upholstery up, place some tape on it to keep them from doing it. You can even find tape specifically designed for this use in many pet stores. Get your cat out of this bad habit by doing this and supplying a scratching post.

Check your home for openings that a cat could slip through. Cats can fit into very small spaces. Kittens especially can fit into small spaces. Remember this if you bring a new cat or kitten home. When you find a hole that may be dangerous, make the necessary repairs right away.

TIP! Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can.

While reading this article, did you notice any areas for improvement in your own home? If so, it’s time to take action. A cat will bring so much joy to you. Just as with people, fun and activity help extend a cat’s life.