Is there a feline member of your family? If you are, you truly realize how great cats are. Cats are animals that require a great deal of affection and attention. Luckily, you are able to give it all that it needs. This article will show you how its done.

Take your cat to the vet every year. They should have a routine check-up once a year or more if important shots are due. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.

TIP! Prevent your cats from playing with drapery cords. You should not allow your cat to play with drape cords since they could end up with the cord wrapped around their neck.

Cats can really scratch up your home. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.

Get a microchip for your cat. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

Litter Box

TIP! If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. There are so many great cats at shelters.

Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic. In addition, it does not need to be near the cat’s food. The area should also be well ventilated so that it doesn’t smell too badly. This will keep both you and your cat happy.

Give your kitty lots of love. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Cats need social time with the family just like people do so that they know that they are valued. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.

Though cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Cats should be handled more gently since their bones are more fragile than those of dogs.

TIP! A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot.

You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. It may be a sign your cat needs food, or needs to be let outdoors. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.

Make sure that you brush your cat’s coat often. This helps to stimulate blood flow and circulation, and it will also help to evenly distribute the natural oil your cat’s fur has. Brushing will also help to remove loose hair. This helps keep those hairballs from building up in your cat’s stomach.

Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. Punishment affects cats differently from dogs. Encouragement is usually a much better option. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat’s usual haunts. Your cat will start to venture into their carrier more often, until they are completely comfortable with it. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.

Animal Protein

High quality cat food is important to your cat. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying. Ensure that an animal protein source, including fish, chicken, or beef, is the main ingredient. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Understand that your cat needs a lot of animal protein to stay healthy.

Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. If your cat sheds a lot, you probably need to brush it more often. Brushing can help prevent their fur from matting or tangling.

TIP! You may be able to find a better deal on your cat’s prescription online instead of purchasing them from your veterinarian. Online prescriptions are not the best choice if you do not have the time to wait on a mail order, such as in a medical emergency.

Do your best to keep your cat as healthy as possible and take it to the vet regularly. Kittens need proper medical care just like young children, and its best to bring them in every so often for health checks to ensure nothing terrible is going on. Your cat will be a valued member of your family, which means treating it just as you would other loved ones.

Cats have an extremely sensitive sense of smell which makes it difficult to change anything in their environment without their knowing about it. This can cause problems when making changes in diet and surroundings. Don’t get discouraged if you find that your cat is not interested in these things right away. Your cat will begin using it as soon as he is used to its smell.

Panting is not a normal response for a cat. Panting is completely normal in dogs. While panting can be a sign that your cat is overheated or anxious, it can also be a sign of something much more serious. It is wise to consult your vet, especially if the cat has past respiratory problems.

TIP! Use a brush on your cat regularly. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow.

In all likelihood, your cat is very important to your household and taking good care of him is quite important to you. Now that you’ve read this, you should know much more about proper cat care. Use the tips from this article to ensure your cat is happy and healthy. Your cat will love you if you love him.