Like all pets, cats thrive best when they are fed well by their owners. Cats suffer when their owners do not follow proper dietary recommendations or give the cat proper attention. These tips can help you prevent that.

If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

TIP! Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. Therefore, use a breakaway collar that will come undone whenever it’s being pulled very tightly. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.

Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in. Encourage them to scratch that instead. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.

You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. One day, your indoor cat might leave through an open door or get outside through an open window. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.

TIP! Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up.

Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. Special food can help. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.

Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. You may be tempted to blast your favorite songs at top volume. Cats, on the other hand, would probably prefer that you didn’t. Therefore, try to turn down your music or keep if off altogether so your cat has a better trip.

Reconsider having an outdoor cat. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. When your cats go outside, keep an eye out to make sure they do not wander too far away.

Scratching Post

Don’t get rid of an old scratching post. It may not look as nice, but cats love a scratching post with some wear and tear. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.

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. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Your cat is a carnivore, and for proper nutrition, he should have a food high in animal protein in order to keep him at his best.

TIP! Cats are partially nocturnal. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night.

Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Although older cats won’t be as active as younger cats, they still need a little exercise. Play with your cat and give them the fun time it needs.

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. If you don’t mind cleaning, get a long-haired cat. More, and longer hair, usually means more hairballs too.

Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. If your cat is a big shedder, you definitely want to brush him often. This will also help their coat from getting tangled or matted.

TIP! You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals.

Let your cat give birth in a large space. It can take as much as about 4 hours for all the kittens to be born after labor starts. If, after six hours, you think there are still kittens stuck inside your pet, a trip to the vet is in order.

If you can, keep your cat inside and close to you. Indoor cats live longer and have less illness and pests than outdoor cats. You can exercise your cat by playing with it.

A cat’s diet is important to its overall health. If you cat eats too little, too much or eats a diet low in nutrients, it health can be adversely impacted. Ensure your cat lives a healthy life with foods that are meant for them.