T.S. Eliot, the famed poet, once likened cats to creatures that a household depends on, the there is some truth behind his words. T.S. Eliot stated cats make a home and there is evidence that this opinion is well-deserved. A well behaved and healthy cat can enhance any household. Cats are quirky though. Keep reading for some valuable tips on cat care.

If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. Cats love to roam, so you need to give someone who finds your cat a way to contact you. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.

Keep your cat amused. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. Sometimes, cat owners don’t realize this. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.

Cats love to be clean. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. To fix this problem, you can try buying a new food. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.

Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. A cat’s bones are not as strong as a dogs, and they should be treated more gently.

Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.

Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As kids age, you can then determine whether they are mature enough for small pets.

You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.

Cat ownership can be challenging at times, but it is always rewarding. You need to get to know your cat better so you can focus on the kind of attention it needs the most. Soon you’ll be dealing with a happier cat.

By Laura