Cats are delightful! Their independence and intelligence can create such a fun-filled house pet experience. To ensure that your cat is getting the proper care, it may take a bit of work. You can educate yourself about helpful tips to care for your cat and keep him happy and healthy by reading this article.

Keep your drape cords out of your cats reach. 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. This may harm or kill them. To prevent this from happening, keep any drape cords pinned away from any eyes.

TIP! Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach 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.

Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. If you can, stick with one vet for your cat’s entire life. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. You never know when your cat could get away from you. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.

TIP! You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people.

While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Tell them how to be gentle. Children need to know how to hold a cat and what sorts of play a cat likes. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.

Cats love high spots. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.

If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.

TIP! Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. Products designed for dogs or other animals could cause a negative reaction from your cat.

Invest in a cat friendly fountain. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. Cats respond well to this stream of water. Cats will even drink from the tap if they can! This is a more natural way for them to drink.

If you want to buy a second cat, prepare for some time where the cats will be familiarizing themselves with each other. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. After a bit of time, you’ll have two cats that will tolerate, and possibly enjoy, each other.

Play is an essential element of a cat’s daily life. It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. An older cat may not be as energetic as when it was younger, but still enjoys light play. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.

TIP! Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post.

It can be vastly rewarding to own a cat as long as you realize the commitment involved and are willing to put in the time and energy required. Be sure to master the advice that you have just read. Once you use the things you’ve learned you’ll have a feline friend that is happy and has a great life.