Cats are amazing pets, but they can be a finicky lot! You’ll need to understand how to feed and groom your cats, and the tips contained in this article will help you get a handle on that.

Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease. Your vet can also check the overall health of your cat. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.

TIP! When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter.

Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. That’ll keep kitty safe.

If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.

You may want to have a microchip implanted in your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. Your important information can all fit nicely on a rice grain sized microchip. Most vets and all shelters can scan these chips to get your contact information and there is no risk of losing the chip.

TIP! Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy.

Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They should feel like a valued family member as well.

Cats frequently groom themselves. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.

Cats enjoy high places. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. You can give your cat on a shelf to accomplish this. Make sure that this area is comfortable for your cat.

TIP! Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this.

Speak to others about your cat problems. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.

Litter Box

If your cat relieves itself away from its litter box, do not spring into action with punishment. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.

TIP! Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see what’s going on around the house.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Cats usually like to drink from a water stream. Cats often like the running water more than their own bowl of water. A fountain will allow your cat to have the happiness of drinking from running water.

Cats need to have play in their life. After all, everyone likes to play. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Playing with your cat will help you to form happy and cherished memories to look back on.

There is more care to consider with long-haired cats. While long, silky hair is beautiful on a cat, the same fur appears far less beautiful covering your floor, dark clothing, and furniture. These breeds are best left to those with the time and energy to do a lot of cleaning. Long-haired cats also often have hairballs.

TIP! Cats are often nocturnal creatures. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night.

If your cat’s about to have kittens, create a spacious area in which she can do so. This process can take up to five hours. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.

Don’t give your cat medicine that is meant for humans. When your cat has health issues, they should be taken to their vet, who will give them any medication they need. You can kill a cat by giving them human grade medications.

Panting is something that you may encounter with your cat. For dogs, panting is typical behavior. Your cat may pant if it is anxious or overheated, but panting may also indicate a more serious problem. Talk to a vet right away when panting persists.

Sticky Tape

Place sticky tape on pieces of furniture. Cats will avoid scratching furniture if it is equipped with sticky tape. You can find this specific material at your local pet store. You should also provide your cat with a scratching post or a tower it can use instead of your furniture.

Cats can often get the same illnesses as you can. Your cat is a member of the family, so you know better than anyone when your cat isn’t feeling well. Have a vet look at your cat if you suspect this. The vet can reassure you that your cat isn’t seriously ill.

TIP! Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. You need to learn what their meows mean.

Do a safety check to make sure there are no places where your cat could potentially get trapped. Cats can fit into very tight spaces. Kittens are even smaller! When you bring a new cat or kitten to your home, be conscious of this hazard. Cover all holes.

For some cat owners, the only way to make sure their pet is clean and properly groomed is to bathe them. It’s not necessary unless there is a mishap. Cats clean themselves, after all. Cats are very particular about their appearance!

It may seem easy to take care of your cat, but perhaps you don’t know everything you need to know just yet. Use the tips from this article to help you be the very best cat owner and fully enjoy the experience. The research will reward you both!