When it comes to choosing the perfect pet, cats are the go-to choice for millions of households. Cats are lots of fun, and they also rid the house of mice and similar pests. Cats are generally really good about keeping pests out of a house but people sometimes don’t recognize how well they can hunt.

If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.

If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. Even if you own an indoor cat, it might produce many kittens if it escapes during mating season. Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.

If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. Almost every vet and shelter has a scanner these days, and they can retrieve your contact information should they find your pet.

Litter Box

The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic. In addition, it does not need to be near the cat’s food. Put it in a ventilated area to reduce odors. Your cat and you will appreciate it.

Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. Though, in emergency situations, buying online may not be possible. But, if your cat is on a regular medication, you can save quite a bit by buying it online.

Do you have dogs and cats? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to. That also means they don’t fight about water after eating the food.

It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. Cats instinctively understand what to do and teaching is not required. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.

If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.

Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.

Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. In the beginning, they may not seem to get along at all. After a bit of time, you’ll have two cats that will tolerate, and possibly enjoy, each other.

Try moving your litter box somewhere else if the cat won’t use it. A cat knows that when it’s going to the bathroom it’s in a vulnerable situation, so you should make sure the box is in a calm, secure location. The best places are basements and laundry rooms.

Chemicals that have phenol in the should not be used around a cat. This is a chemical that is normally found in Lysol, Pine-Sol and other household cleaners. The smell is pretty offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage.

Cats have a surprisingly acute sense of smell, making it easy for them to detect change in their environment. For example, your cat will instantly detect a new scratching post, bed, food dish, etc. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. They’ll get used to it given time.

Your cat may be lonely if you return to work after adopting them. To help avoid boredom, consider bringing another cat into the household.

Health Issues

Do not overfeed your cat since this can lead to a lot of health issues in the future. The result of overeating is obesity, which then leads to other health issues. Monitor your cat’s meal portions, and be sure he is getting a well balanced diet.

Cats may be less effective for security than guard dogs, but they still track down the small critters in your home. Cats are natural hunters and nearly always get their kill, and with much more ease than a big dog. The continuing popularity of the humble house cat is no surprise when one considers all that they’re capable of.