Cats are amazing and make great pets. As the owner of a cat, it is important that you learn how to properly care for them, so they can be healthy and live longer. Read here about some ways to achieve your goals as a good cat owner.

Take your cat in for regular vet exams. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.

TIP! Make sure your cat is always groomed. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis.

Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. A routine check-up should happen annually, and more often if necessary shots are due. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.

Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. If your cat is high, he can see everything that is going on. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.

Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. There may be some cases in which you cannot buy online, such as in an emergency. But for routine medication purchases, you may find a discount of 50 percent online.

TIP! Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots.

Create a tablecloth for the feline. A lot of time cats will take their food from their bowls to eat it on the food bowl’s side. This means food spillage that you will have to clean later. Use a placemat under your cat’s bowl or cut some fabric to create a small tablecloth. Shake the placemat or cloth over the garbage regularly.

Why is your cat meowing? If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

Cats enjoy high places. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost.

Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. This makes transporting much easier.

Scratching Post

Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. It may not look as nice, but cats love a scratching post with some wear and tear. If you throw it away, you may find your cat scratching on other surfaces.

TIP! Spritz a little bitter apple on electrical cords to protect your cats. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. As your cat ages, canned food is more easily chewed. Talk to your vet, but canned food is generally superior for your cat.

Aired Cats

Prior to adopting any long-haired cat, make sure you understand the extra work involved. Long-haired cats are beautiful animals, but keep in mind that they will shed everywhere in your home. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Long-haired cats usually suffer from hairball problems too.

TIP! Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are.

Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. Cats need regular checkups, just like humans. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.

When your cat is due to deliver babies, ensure that she has a comfortable area with some space. Giving birth to all the kittens can take hours, so you shouldn’t expect things to be over and done with quickly. If it’s been over 6 hours and you think there are more kittens inside, they need to see a vet immediately.

If you have a cat who won’t use the litter box, try moving it someplace else. Cat’s sometimes just don’t like the location you’ve picked for the box. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.

TIP! If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive.

Don’t give cats human medication. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.

Cats have a keen sense of smell and notice the smallest things. Sometimes this causes problems if you introduce a new food dish, bed, or scratching post. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. Your cat is going to like them more as they acquire your home’s smell.

Cats are amazing pets. You should always keep educating yourself about the different things you can do to care for your cat. Take advantage of all the suggestions this article provides. Your cat is certain to appreciate the time you spent learning on caring for it.