You probably look at your cat as a family member. Cats are enjoyed as pets by millions, but they need to be taken care of properly. They can really affect a cat’s well being. Continue reading to learn some excellent cat-care tips.

You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. Your veterinarian needs to know about your pet’s history, and your cat will feel more comfortable if you always take her to the same vet.

TIP! Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable.

Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night. Close the door to prevent the noise from getting to you. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.

Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. Your cat will experience considerable pain when he has to pass these crystals, and it’s not an easy (or cheap) problem for your veterinarian to fix. Let your cat have food that doesn’t have a lot of magnesium in it. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Fish products are usually higher in magnesium.

Be considerate of your cat’s preferences while traveling. You cat is used to being at home and it might shock him to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. To keep you cat from feeling nervous, keep the volume at a lower level. A trip is already stressful for a pet.

TIP! Groom your cat. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently.

A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. This may make a big mess that you need to clean up. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.

Cats love high spots. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.

Give your cat a wide array of foods in order to prevent pickiness. Keeping the same kind of food around most of the time makes it to where they only want that specific food.

TIP! Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck.

Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. You should listen to what your vet recommends, though.

If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. Take the cat to the vet if it stops using the litter-box and let the vet diagnose the problem.

Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunities to play. In fact, play is a common activity for all mammals, including people and cats, no matter their age. While older cats have less energy than their younger counterparts, they can still play a little. Make sure you have fun with the cat whenever you can!

Litter Box

Place the litter box for your cat in an open area. It’s tempting to keep it in an inconspicuous place where it won’t be seen or smelled. Make sure your cat can easily reach the litter box at all times. Cats can be finicky; that’s why you should give them space for their litter box that is familiar and does not put them off. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.

Cats are able to pick up many different parasites. If you do not take action to ensure your cat’s health, the results can be disastrous for both of you. By using the methods listed above, you’ll be able to rid your cat of and prevent parasites. Your cat will be happy that you did.