Consider your cat as a family member. It is important to know how to properly care for your cat, so that it can enjoy a long and happy life. These organisms can be detrimental to your cat’s health. Keep reading to better care for your cat.

Brush and trim your cat’s fur often to keep it looking sharp. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis. This can keep them clean. It will reduce shedding, which means that they won’t be experiencing a ton of hairballs. If you groom your cat with care, both your pet and your home will look their best.

TIP! If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee.

If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.

You should not use products designed for other animals. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. Be very careful with the flea products you use. These products can be fatal for your cat. If you treat your dog for fleas, make sure you keep the cat away for several hours following the application.

If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.

Litter Box

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Your kitty will thank you.

Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. A cat can feel that he is a valuable, cherished part of their household.

TIP! A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. Just heat a one-foot square terra cotta tile in your oven at about 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. Buy your cat specialized food to prevent this problem. Certain kinds of cat food are made to decrease hairballs. As a result, you and your cat will be happier.

You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.

Keep you cat’s old scratching post even if it is beginning to look worn. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. If you throw it away, you may find your cat scratching on other surfaces.

TIP! If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out.

Treat your cat to a good quality cat food. Ensure that the food your cat eats is very high in protein. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.

Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. Cats like running water for drink more than water that is just sitting there. Cats react better to a moving water stream. Cats will often drink from a running sink and actually prefer it over the water in their bowl. Drinking fountains are more environmentally-friendly and they let your cat drink naturally.

Parasites can be a problem for most cats, and that includes your cat, too. You have to remedy the problem. By using the methods listed above, you’ll be able to rid your cat of and prevent parasites. Saving your cat from these pesky creatures will benefit your cat and your peace of mind.