If you were able to save a pet’s life, would this be something you’d do? Cats in shelters need you. Simply bring one home, make a friend for the rest of the cat’s life, and use the advice in this article.

Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!

TIP! Keep your drape cords out of your cats reach. Whenever cats jump on these cords, they might get tangled up in them.

You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This will stop them from bothering you at night, and playing with your feet beneath the covers.

When you buy a small kitty for your children, set the boundaries ahead of time. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.

Do you own a dog and cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.

TIP! If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day.

Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.

You should brush your cat very regularly. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. Also, it helps manage loose hair. This will help to eliminate hairballs, which build in your cat’s stomach and prevents it from grooming itself.

Take the time to make your cat familiar and comfortable with a carrier. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment. They like responding to encouragement better. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.

Scratching Post

Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. This is the condition that cats like the most. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.

You should give your cat at least three weeks to grow used to the presence of a new animal. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.

TIP! You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being.

Frequent urination outside the litter box may indicate a visit to the vet is required. A change in where or how a cat urinates can signal a UTI or other health problem. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.

Does it seem like your cat’s hairs are everywhere you look? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. If your cat is a big shedder, you definitely want to brush him often. This will ensure your cat’s coat is tangle-free and not matted.

Litter Box

TIP! Cats are generally nocturnal. They get very active at night.

You should worry if your cat is no longer using its litter box. Some feline health problems may cause your cat to refuse to use their litter box. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.

If your feline friend is having kittens, make sure to give her lots of room to birth in. The birth process can last up to four hours, which means you must exercise patience. If more than five or six hours have passed, and you think that kittens still remain inside, then you must get in touch with your vet.

When a dog wags its tail, the reason is because it is happy for some reason. Cats move their tails too, but it’s not for the same reason. Tail-wagging in a cat usually means a conflict or that they’re deciding to flee or pounce regarding a situation. If while being held by you your cat’s tail begins to wag, you may want to put him down so that you are not scratched or hit.

TIP! Use a tablecloth underneath your cat’s dish. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor.

There are things you can eat that your cat cannot. Never allow your cat to nibble on garlic, onions or green tomatoes. Grapes, which seem harmless enough, are also a no-no. These foods can make your cat very ill. Dairy, including milk, is also not a good thing to give your cat.

Preventing hairballs can help keep your cat sanitary and safe. Mix in a few pinches of pumpkin into your cat’s food. A teaspoon of tuna can water can be mixed with it for flavor’s sake. Some cat foods even have anti-hairball benefits.

If you work, your cat can get awfully lonely while you’re away. One tried-and-true way to keep a cat from getting lonely is to pair it up with another cat.

TIP! Don’t let your cat outside. This could be harmful and unsafe.

You should feel proud about your ability to care for your cat. Opening your home to someone in need is a selfless act, whether it is a person or an animal. You will develop a bond with your cat that lasts for many years. Take care of your pet and it will show its appreciation.