One of the most unique animals is a cat. Cats are smart and curious, but also cute and cuddly. This combination makes them excellent domestic animals. Caring for cats in proper ways, though, it not always that simple. Give this article a read for some tips on cat care and how to keep your cat in good spirits.

When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable. Besides, adopting a cat from an animal shelter means you are saving this cat’s life.

TIP! Keep your cat properly groomed. Cats should have regular combings.

Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. If they like to chew on cords, try covering them as much as you can. Use some paper towel rolls to tuck loose cords. Whenever you aren’t using any thin, electronic cords, you should store them away.

It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. Many owners just don’t have time. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.

Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. They usually offer us warm companionship, and they require the same. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. They probably would like to feel as though they are a wanted part of the family.

TIP! A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires.

Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. Though, in emergency situations, buying online may not be possible. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.

Cats are great pets, but little ones may not understand that they are fragile. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.

Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. This will help prevent any fights that may occur between your animals.

TIP! Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots.

You should not get rid of your cat’s old scratching post. Cats love them! Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.

Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. Dry food can be less costly, but there are quite a few benefits to canned food. Your cat will get more water and more vitamins and protein. As a cat ages, it has a harder time chewing. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.

New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. With enough time to acclimate themselves to the new arrangement, though, virtually any two cats will become willing, friendly, and perhaps even inseparable companions.

Litter Box

Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. The litter box needs to be placed in a spot that your cat can reach very easily. Cats tend to be finicky, so you’ll want to provide a location that isn’t off-putting to your cat. Instead of just keeping the box on cold cement, add a rug or mat beneath it.

One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats, however, move their tails or sway it side to side for totally different reasons. Tail wagging in a cat usually means he is thinking of attacking or running away. If kitty starts wagging his tail while you’re holding him, it’s best to put him down so you don’t get scratched.

TIP! Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window.

The foods you eat might not be very healthy for your pet. A few unhealthy food items for cats are green tomatoes, grapes, garlic and onions. If your cat eats these things then it can become ill or even die. Too much milk can also be a bad thing for a grown cat.

Pay attention to panting from your cat. With dogs, this is something that is common. Panting could mean the cat is hot or scared, or something much worse. Take your cat to see the vet if you notice it is often panting.

If you worry about the cat you have getting fleas, rabies, or any kind of fungus then the cat shouldn’t go outside. While some of these issues can affect a cat that stays in the house, they are more likely to experience this issues if they spend a lot of time outside.

TIP! Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats.

Reconsider before you let your cat have table scraps as treats. People food is bad for cats, given its ingredients, preservatives and common cooking techniques utilized. A great treat for your cat is a little bit of egg or cooked beef or chicken. Giving your cat the recommended amount of cat food provides a complete feline diet.

Outdoor Cats

It’s best to keep your pet cat indoors. Studies show that outdoor cats don’t live as long, and going outside exposes your cat to diseases and injury. Some diseases that outdoor cats acquire can also be passed along to humans. Give your indoor kitty a sunny location, like a window or sun room, to sit in daily in order to help meet his desire to be outdoors.

TIP! Crystals form in urine from male cats. This can be prevented with good food choices.

If you make time to learn about proper care, cats can be great pets. You should go over this article and learn more about how you can take care of your pet. Take what you have learned, and use it to create a home that gives your cat a happy and healthy life.