Cat ownership is an adventure with countless rewards. However, it should be noted that owning cat also requires a lot of hard work. With cat ownership, comes many responsibilities. Luckily, the article below will illustrate exactly what those responsibilities are. Read on for much enlightenment.

Ensure your cat remains groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.

TIP! Good grooming is important for cats. A cat’s fur must be brushed or combed on a regular basis.

You should be bringing your cat to their vet for a check-up regularly. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease. Your vet can also check the overall health of your cat. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.

A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. Cats can range far from your home and the tag will help them find their way home. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.

Electrical Cords

TIP! If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. Even though your cat stays indoors all the time, there might be that one time she slips through the door when she goes into heat, which results in a litter of unexpected kittens.

Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If your cat is especially intent on chewing cords, keep them covered as much as possible. Bundle electrical cords together inside a tube. Personal electronic devices should be stored when not needed to keep their cords out of reach.

Make sure your cat is not too bored. Cats need to play and get regular exercise. The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. Bored cats tend to develop emotional and mental disorders that may negatively impact their health. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. Give them a cat tree to play with.

If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.

Litter Box

You don’t want to punish a cat if they do their business outside of their litter box. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. If you get mad, they’ll never use the box again.

Feed your cat several different kinds of food if you want to the lower the chances of them becoming finicky. This will ensure that your cat gets a taste of many different foods.

TIP! Create a tablecloth for the feline. Often cats prefer moving food from a bowl onto the floor to eat.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Dry foods are cheaper but canned foods are richer in vitamins and nutrients. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.

If your cat is pregnant, make sure she has plenty of room to give birth. Delivery can take between three and four hours. If it’s been over 6 hours and you think there are more kittens inside, they need to see a vet immediately.

When dogs are excited or happy, they will wag their tails when they see their owners. Cats wag their tails, but definitely not for the same reason. If your cats tail is wagging, it could indicate that the animal is facing a fight-or-flight situation. It also suggests possible conflict or uncertainty. If your cat starts wagging its tail while you hold it, you might want to set it down to avoid getting scratched and swatted.

Cat Declawed

Don’t have an outdoor cat declawed. Your cat may be seriously injured or killed because they are not prepared to defend themselves against another animal who may attack them. Indoor cats can be declawed, though. If you do choose to have your cat declawed, only the front claws should be removed. A cat’s back claws are important to his balance.

You should never give a cat medication that is for humans. Go to a vet if there are problems, don’t self diagnose. Giving cats human medications can cause serious problems and may even be fatal.

TIP! If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat.

Beware of panting. Dogs normally pant on a regular basis. While panting can be a sign that your cat is overheated or anxious, it can also be a sign of something much more serious. Do not hesitate to contact a vet, particularly if there has been a history of respiratory problems.

Be on the lookout for any small holes in your home that you do not want your cat to crawl into. Cats can squeeze into very tight spaces. Be especially careful with kittens. Be aware of this when you are bringing a new cat into the home. Repair or cover up any noticeable large holes.

You need to take the cat for particular thighs, and it can get costly. Ordering medication through the Internet can help you save money. Some companies deliver right to your door. You can purchase ongoing medications for fleas or even treatments for heartworm from these websites.

Outdoor Cats

Consider making your cat an indoor-only friend. Outdoor cats usually do not live as long, and they are at higher risk in contracting many diseases. Some diseases that outdoor cats acquire can also be passed along to humans. Indoor cats do fine with a sunny window where he can safely view the outdoors without all the risks.

Cat ownership brings many benefits. In order for your cat to be healthy and happy, you must give it the right care and attention. If you see cat ownership in your future, put these tips to good use!