You can get a better pet than a cat. If you haven’t owned a cat previously, then you definitely need to keep reading. The tips that follow regarding owning a cat are truly priceless.

Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. You should not allow your cat to play with drape cords since they could end up with the cord wrapped around their neck. This could really hurt or possibly kill them. Hang your drapery cords out of your cats’ sight to avoid this.

TIP! If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help.

An outdoor cat must always wear a tag on its collar. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.

It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them. One good way to beat this problem is by giving your kitty some safe, high perches throughout the house. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.

If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.

TIP! Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations.

Younger children can be a little rough with cats sometimes. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.

Talk to people you know about any cat problems you’re having. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.

You need to buy some quality food for your cat. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Corn and other such protein-free fillers are things you want to stay well away from. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.

Drinking Fountain

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.

Let your cat take its time when you add a new cat to your home. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. With enough time to acclimate themselves to the new arrangement, though, virtually any two cats will become willing, friendly, and perhaps even inseparable companions.

TIP! Remember to take care of your cat’s ears if you travel with him. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better.

You won’t be sorry that you chose a cat for your new companion. These animals can be very loving and help you reduce your stress. There are, however, certain things you need to do to make sure your cat lives a healthy life. Use the above tips for you both to live together for many years.