One of the most unique animals is a cat. They are intelligent and independent, while being loving. Therefore, it is difficult sometimes to take care of your cat. Read on to learn more cat tips and to use them to make your cat healthy and happy.

If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out.

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Encourage them to scratch that instead. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.

You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Cats need play and exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. A scratching post is a valuable toy to put in your home.

Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. They wish to be a happy and valuable family member.

TIP! Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. If your cat plays with cords, put them up and out of the way, or you can hide them in old paper towel rolls.

Cats will often devote most of their time to grooming. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. There are foods which help combat this problem. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.

Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Make sure that you let your kids know which areas of the house the cat will be allowed in. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.

If you cat is overly vocal, try to figure out exactly why he or she is making so much noise. As you develop a relationship with your cat over time, it will become easier to determine why she is meowing. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By taking note of your cat’s cues, you’ll understand it more.

TIP! Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. They need exercise and they get it through play.

Never make the mistake of leaving a kitten in a room alone with small children. This is especially true if your child is less than five years old. Kids of this age aren’t old enough to know how dangerous a cat can be. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.

New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.

If your cat begins defecating or urinating too frequently, it’s time to see the vet. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. Often this problem is quickly and inexpensively cured with a common antibiotic.

TIP! Put the litter box in an ideal location. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food.

Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. When cats are suffering from something, they may end up going to the restroom randomly outside of their box. Kidney, bladder and infection issues can make this occur. Call the vet if your cat refuses to use the litter box.

Put a collar your cat with your contact information on it. Even house cats run the risk of getting loose. They have to be able to get home again.

Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. Onions, garlic, grapes and green tomatoes are among these foods. Even a little taste of these foods can make your cat seriously sick. Milk can also end up giving your cat an upset stomach.

TIP! A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls.

If hairballs are a problem that brushing won’t solve, there are some other things you can try. Consider mixing cat food with a single teaspoon of pumpkin. Another thing that works is a one teaspoon of the water that’s in a tuna can mixed with the pumpkin. It is also possible to get help from cat food varieties containing fiber and other ingredients.

Inspect your home for holes that could possibly be dangerous for your cat. A cat can squeeze through incredibly small openings. Especially kittens. Be especially careful about this if you’re bringing a cat home for the first time. Repair or cover any good-sized holes you locate.

Vet bills for your cat can be pretty costly over time. One way to save some cash is to order your pet’s medications via the Internet. Some companies deliver right to your door. Buying frequently-used medicine this way can save you a lot of money.

TIP! Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better.

Cats are neat animals. If you learn as much about them as possible, they also make great pets. You should go over this article and learn more about how you can take care of your pet. Apply what you’ve just learned as you set out to properly care for your cat so that both of you lead happy lives.