Cats are wonderful and unique pets. Cats are definitely a very common pet and are in every major city. It can pose quite the challenge and be difficult at first when they are brought indoors. These smart and feisty creatures can be hardheaded and often require advanced care.

If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. Adopting from a pet shelter benefits the cat population.

TIP! It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. If your cat is high, he can see everything that is going on.

Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.

Flea Products

Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill. This definitely applies to flea products. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. In fact, your cat should be kept away from your dog for several hours after the dog has been treated for fleas.

TIP! Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This means that they will be the most active at night time.

Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away. If your cat still insists on chewing your cords, try to cover as many of them as possible. You can hide away any cords inside the rolls that come inside paper towels. Any electronic item not in use should be stored away where the cat can’t get to it.

Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. You should scold your cat when it scratches your furniture and direct its attention to the scratching post or tower. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.

You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Cats require plenty of exercise. Unfortunately, lots of people who own cats neglect this. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Give them toys and things to do. Indoor cats will appreciate having a structure they can climb on or a dedicated scratching post.

TIP! Think hard before allowing your cat outside. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat.

Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Keep the litter from the cat food, and avoid placing it in a busy area. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.

A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs. Special food can help. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.

If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. Keep your music off, and talk to your cat instead.

TIP! You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not be taught.

You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. To make clean up a breeze, use a place mat underneath the bowl or a piece of fabric. You’ll be able to pick it up easily and shake the excess food into the trash.

When you get a cat for your kids, make sure your kids know the rules in advance. Make sure everyone understands which parts of the house the cat is not allowed in. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.

Litter Box

TIP! Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. Usually this is a sign that you haven’t cleaned the box recently.

You should not train your cat to use a litter box. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. It’s not a good idea to rub your cats paws in litter. Some people think this is the way to train. It isn’t.

Brush your cat at regular times. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. It can also reduce the amount of loose hair they have. This is a good way to avoid hairballs, which are a serious health problem since they can cause choking.

Rotate the variety of food you feed your cat. If they eat the same food all the time without changing it, that may be the only one they’ll eat later on.

TIP! If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. Cats who eat the same food day after day either grow tired of it, or it becomes the only food that they will eat.

If your cat urinates frequently or outside his box, you may need to talk to your vet. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.

A long-haired cat comes with a great deal of extra care. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. If you can handle the extra grooming and cleaning time, then a long haired cat might be a good choice for you. Also, give them the right food which is anti-hairball.

Now that you’ve read this advice, you should better be able to outsmart your feline companion. In a short time, they will understand where they should be and what they need to avoid. Though cats may not be as easily trainable as dogs, most accept training and are good pets that can behave.