Like people, cats require balanced diets with good nutrition. When they don’t get the right foods, they can get fat and sick. This article will provide you with great diet advice for your cat.

If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

TIP! Keep your drape cords away from your cats. Whenever cats jump on these cords, they might get tangled up in them.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.

If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.

If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.

TIP! Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues.

Your cat most likely spends quite a bit of time grooming. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.

Pay attention and try to figure out what is causing your cat to meow. Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. A meow could signal anything from hunger to a desire for affection. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.

Cats enjoy climbing on things. To keep your cat healthy, provide your cat with a high place to sit. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. Put a blanket on it so they can rest peacefully.

TIP! Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post.

Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. This is not something that needs to be taught. In fact, it comes naturally for them. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.

Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. Check out the box instead and see if it has been neglected; this is often a cause of accidents. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.

Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.

TIP! Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything.

Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. When a post is worn, your cats may enjoy it more. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.

Your cat should be given food from a can. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. This will make it easier for your older cats to digest. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.

Getting a second cat is usually beneficial to both, but you have to give the two cats a few weeks to get acclimated to each other. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. Eventually they will grow accustomed to it and start tolerating or even enjoying each other’s company.

TIP! Brush your cat often. This will spread a cat’s oils from their fur and help blood flow from within their skin.

Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunities to play. It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. While older cats have less energy than their younger counterparts, they can still play a little. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.

A good diet is crucial to your cat’s health. Eating too much of the wrong foods, or too little of the right foods can put your cat in terrible shape, and even cut their life span. Ensure your cat lives a healthy life with foods that are meant for them.