After getting their first cat, many families encounter unexpected issues. It is a bad idea to get your pet first and then make plans. Even when you are prepared you might run into some issues. The more you know, the better, though, so read on.

If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care. You’re literally saving their life.

TIP! When looking for a new cat for your home, contact a local animal shelter. There are so many great cats at shelters.

Good grooming is important for cats. A cat’s fur must be brushed or combed on a regular basis. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. It will reduce shedding, which means that they won’t be experiencing a ton of hairballs. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.

In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.

Flea Products

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! If you want to prevent this, spay your cat.

Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. Flea products for dogs are one of the worst products to give a cat. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. A kitty tower can really save your furniture. They can scratch the post instead. This solution might take time to take, but it will help in the end.

Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Tell them how to be gentle. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. Cats need to be protected, too. Their bones are much more susceptible than dogs.

TIP! Be sure you show your cat lots of love. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you.

Unlike most humans, cats love heights. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. Put a blanket on it so they can rest peacefully.

Cat Owners

Speak with other cat owners about any issues you may be having. Although you might want to attempt to handle the problem yourself, other cat owners can provide you with excellent advice that may help you to resolve it. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.

TIP! Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. For a happy cat, make sure you establish a safe environment for them to scan their surroundings.

Do not discipline your cat if it makes a mess outside its litter box. When this occurs, it tends to be because the box is not being maintained properly. If you punish the cat, it may shy away from you at future times.

All the tips of training which you learned here apply to every cat breed, no matter how old or where they reside. These are tried and true ideas that have been proven to help raise a cat properly, however there are always individual instances where things change. Just remember to offer lots of love and companionship to your cat. This is the key instruction to follow.