One of the most fascinating creatures is a cat. Although they are extremely mystifying, they can be incredible house pets. Due to their independent and self-sufficient natures, cats make excellent companions for busy owners who can’t watch over them around the clock. Use the great cat tips discussed in this article to learn everything you need to do to make sure that your cat lives a healthy and enjoyable life.

Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. This ensures that your vet knows your cat’s medical history.

Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. That’ll keep kitty safe.

Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.

TIP! A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues.

Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Cats need play and exercise. Unfortunately there are too many cat owners who don’t properly exercise their cats. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. If they’re inside kitties, get them a post or something else that they can scratch and climb.

Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back. Like many people, cats need to socialize with people so that they feel like they are an important part of their family’s lives. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.

Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. There are special foods that can ease this issue. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.

TIP! Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can.

Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. Your cat will become afraid of you if you punish it or scold it too often.

Get your cat used to a carrier. Introducing your cat to a carrier as a kitten can really help to make this easier. Cats usually respond well to encouragement. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. This will make it easier to mobilize your cat.

There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. While long, silky hair is beautiful on a cat, the same fur appears far less beautiful covering your floor, dark clothing, and furniture. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.

TIP! It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch.

Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? Cats shed quite often, so make sure that you brush them a lot. If your cat is shedding a lot, you should brush them more frequently. This will also help their coat from getting tangled or matted.

Litter Box

Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. Many cat owners feel inclined to hide the litter box. This litter box must stay in an easy-to-find spot for your cat. It has to be a quiet area with little traffic. If the littler box is on cold, hard floor, try placing a rug beneath it.

TIP! Get a microchip for your cat. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window.

Dogs are known to way their tails. This means they are content or excited and is normal dog behavior. Cats wag their tail as well, but have different reasons psychologically. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If your cat wags his tail while you’re holding him, putting him down keeps you safe.

Your cat should stay inside most of the time, and when it’s outside, you should ensure it remains close to home. Free-ranging cats who spend most of their time outdoors have a shorter lifespan than those that are raised and accustomed to indoor living. If you want to give your indoor cat some outdoor time, exercise with them. That way, your cat gets some fresh air, sunshine and outdoor scenery without the risks of free-roamers.

Cats have a heightened sense of smell, and they can detect environmental changes easily. Sometimes this causes problems if you introduce a new food dish, bed, or scratching post. Don’t fret if your cat doesn’t use the items right away. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they’ll be more interested in the new object.

TIP! Never let a cat become bored. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime.

When it comes to choosing a pet for your home, you can’t deny that cats are an alluring option. Educate yourself to make sure your cat is properly taken care of. The next time you interact with your cat, remember what you’ve just read. This will help your cat enjoy a high quality of life.