Cats are truly magical creatures. They’re smart, but also independent, which makes them a great pet. But, cat care is not always simple. Read on to find out how to properly care for your cat.

Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too. Sadly, many cat owners do not understand the importance of this. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Give them enough space to exercise in, with fun toys to keep them entertained. A scratching post is a valuable toy to put in your home.

TIP! Brush and trim your cat’s fur often to keep it looking sharp. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing.

Cats frequently groom themselves. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. There are special foods you can buy to try to help with this particular problem. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.

If you’re looking for good prices on cat medications, check online sources. The prices will usually be substantially better than at your vet. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.

If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.

TIP! It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease.

Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. You could even place a small bed or blanket on the shelf to make your cat feel more comfortable.

You need to buy some quality food for your cat. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Corn and other such protein-free fillers are things you want to stay well away from. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.

Expect it to take several weeks for your current cat to accept a new cat in the home. Do not expect an instant friendship. Instead, look for them to hide frequently, hiss and possibly even become physical with each other. However, cats should eventually learn to co-habitate properly.

TIP! Most cats are nocturnal. They are often active at nighttime.

If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. Cats may show this behavior if they develop an infection of the urinary tract, or some other health issue. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.

It’s important for your cat to get plenty of playtime. As a matter of fact, exercise is crucial for all animals. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Take time to have fun with your cat.

Never give your cat a medication that was formulated for humans. If your cat is suffering from a medical condition, be sure and take them to a vet to get the proper medication. If you give a pet something that it shouldn’t take, you could injure it or even kill it.

TIP! Male cats sometimes have crystals in their urine, but this can be prevented with the right cat food. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally.

Keep an eye on your cat if he or she is panting. Understand that dogs panting is normal; however, this is not the case for cats. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. It is important to speak to your vet, specifically if your feline has suffered from respiratory issues.

Cats make amazing pets for you and your family, as long as you know how to take care of them. Be sure to master the advice that you have just read. Apply what you’ve just learned as you set out to properly care for your cat so that both of you lead happy lives.