Cats are very unique animals. Their independence and intelligence can create such a fun-filled house pet experience. But, cat care is not always simple. Keep reading to find out how to learn more about taking good care of your cat.

Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. Teach your cat to scratch this instead of the legs of a couch or sofa. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.

TIP! Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age.

Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.

Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.

Make sure that you never neglect your cat. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.

Cats love to be clean. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. Special food can help. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.

You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If you’re planning on keeping your kitty inside full time, make sure your kids know their pet shouldn’t go outdoors. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.

Cats enjoy being in high places. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.

TIP! Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window.

There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. Some cat owners believe they should expose their cat to the litter box and rub its paws into the litter; however, this may actually have the opposite effect and make your cat scared of it.

Your cat should like their carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. Cats are much more responsive to positive interaction rather than negative. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. It will be simpler to transport them using the carrier.

Don’t scrimp when it comes to your pet’s food. Look over the ingredients in the food, and be sure there is some kind of a protein source in the food. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.

TIP! Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Cats need play and exercise.

If you make time to learn about proper care, cats can be great pets. Use the things you’ve learned in this article to help you out. Utilize what you learned to ensure that your favorite kitty cat stays healthy and enjoys a fulfilling life.