Cats are fascinating pets. Cats do not require a lot of attention, so they are the perfect pet if you are always on the go. Implement the tips in the article below to make sure your cat leads a long and happy life.

Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. Try to stick with one vet during the life of your pet. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost.

Never let a cat become bored. Cats need to play and get regular exercise. Unfortunately there are too many cat owners who don’t properly exercise their cats. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Make sure your cats have a wide variety of toys and plenty of room for active play. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.

Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. They give lots of affection and need some in return. Like many people, cats need to socialize with people so that they feel like they are an important part of their family’s lives. Your cat wants to be as much a member of the family as anyone else.

While usually cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. A cat’s bones can be quite fragile and they need to be treated gently.

TIP! Kitty claws can be quite destructive to fabric and furnishings. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post.

Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. You can also use any type of mat underneath your cat’s eating apparatus to reduce the mess.

Brush your cat on a regular basis. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. You will also decrease the amount of fur throughout your home. Hairballs can be prevented this way, which often lead to choking. There will be little need for self grooming and hair build up.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. Cats are better trained by using patient encouragement. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. The cat will enter it on its own. Then, you will have no problem using the carrier.

TIP! It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them.

Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.

Treat your cat to a good quality cat food. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. Try to avoid foods that consist of corn, or other non-protein elements. The main part of a cat’s diet should be meat protein, so his cat food should be mostly real meat.

Due to their affectionate nature, their self-reliance, and their brains, cats are excellent animal companions. But, you need to learn all you can about cat care. The next time you interact with your cat, remember what you’ve just read. This way, both you and your cat will enjoy a lifetime of fun and fulfillment.