Having a happy and purring cat is a very enjoyable experience. The sound can relax you, and it seems that it creates a peaceful feeling for your cat. You need to take good care of your cat so it is happy. These tips on caring for your cat will keep him purring often.

Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.

TIP! Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. They have tons of amazing cats who desperately need a home.

Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.

Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. Some products designed for dogs could be harmful to your cat. Keep your cat away from your puppy after treating it with some flea products.

Cats will be up during the night more often than not. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping. Keep your bedroom door shut if your cats make too much noise at night. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.

TIP! Keep your cat properly groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat.

Use care if you have kids and a cat. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.

Vary your cat’s diet just a tiny bit to keep them from being picky. If your cat only eats one brand of cat food from the beginning, he will probably not like any other brand.

You should feed your cat food out of a can. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. Canned food generally provides more nutrients, protein and fat as well as liquids. As a cat ages, it has a harder time chewing. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.

TIP! It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them.

Make sure your cat is always wearing a collar with proper identification tags. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is very important if your pet is likely to get lost or has some medical needs.

Never use chemicals that have phenol in it near your cat. Phenol is found in common products such as Pine-Sol, Lysol, and various other cleaners. These chemicals can have a devastating impact on your cat’s liver.

Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Indoor cats are the only ones that you should declaw. Even so, only remove the front claws when you do so. The back claws should remain as they will not scratch furniture or floors.

TIP! Cats can tend to be more nocturnal than not. This means that they will usually be quite active at night.

Don’t ever give your cat medicine created for humans. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. Giving your cat your medication can actually cause your pet serious harm.

Cats’ powerful olfactory abilities mean that they can smell changes in their home. This can lead to issues when you introduce something new, such as a new toy, bed, or food dish. Your cat may not initially appreciate a new pet. As the item becomes a part of your home’s natural smell, your cat will become more comfortable with it.

Pay attention to panting from your cat. For dogs, panting is completely normal. Panting could mean your cat is dehydrated or nervous, but it could also be a sign of a serious issue. Call your vet, especially if you cat has a history of respiratory problems.

TIP! Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot.

If your cat is prone to hairballs and additional brushing has no effect, you may be able to resolve the problem in other ways. Consider mixing a little pumpkin into your cat’s food. In addition, you could use one teaspoon of water for packing tuna and mix it with the pumpkin. Cat food sometimes has an anti hairball formulation, which includes extra fiber in order to solve this issue.

Beginning a new job out of the house can have an impact on your cat. Provide them with something to do while you’re gone, or consider adopting another cat.

Often, you will find that a cat purrs when it is in a good mood. Cats are stunning, agile animals that do not need to be hard to care for. If you prefer the happy, purring sound of your cat, be sure to give the above tips a try.