Cats, like many other pets, require regular grooming. Do not expect grooming a cat to be like grooming a dog. Keeping your cat clean, well-fed and happy will expand their life span. This article contains suggestions on how to groom your cat.

When looking for a new cat for your home, contact a local animal shelter. They have tons of amazing cats who desperately need a home. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.

TIP! Keep your cat groomed. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis.

Ensure your cat remains groomed. They need to be brushed every day. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. Also, this can eliminate the constant shedding that you will deal with. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.

Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Try to stick with one vet during the life of your pet. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.

If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. If you want, change it now and then so the warmth continues.

TIP! Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. A collar can become a liability if your cat is especially adventurous.

If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. Having your cat spayed is the only way to 100 percent prevent accidental litters.

If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. The tag should have at least the pet’s name and the number where you can be reached.

You can keep your cat away from electrical cords by spraying them with some bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. You can bundle loose cords together and place them inside paper towel rolls. Cats are drawn to wires and cords, so you should keep them out of sight and out of mind if they are not being used.

TIP! Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money.

It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. Putting a cat tower in or near the kitchen can help keep the cats from laying on the counter.

A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some foods have special formula for hairball reduction, which will benefit you and your cat.

If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. This will ensure nothing bad happens.

TIP! Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. 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.

Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. While some folks think you should pick up your cat and place their paws against the litter, this can actually be traumatic.

A cat’s life isn’t complete without play. Playing is an activity that is very popular with mammals of any age, and this includes cats and people. Older cats do not have the same energy level as younger ones, but they still like to play a little. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.

Do you feel as if there is cat hair all over the place? You have to brush your cat to avoid their shedding. If your cat is shedding a lot, you should brush them more frequently. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.

Litter Box

Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. Many people want it in an out of the way spot. Make sure your cat can easily reach the litter box at all times. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. For example, a rug or mat is a good way to make a litter box placed on a concrete floor more attractive to your cat.

If you notice your cat is not using the litter box, try moving it to a new location. Cats feel vulnerable when relieving themselves, so make sure the litter box is in a secluded spot. Some good places would be basements, laundry rooms, and any other place that doesn’t have a lot of noise and people going in and out.

TIP! You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. Though you want to handle problems on your own, you may require advice from others who own cats.

Your cat will look and feel its best with the proper care. It is up to you to provide the proper care for your pet. Your cat is certain to appreciate any grooming. Use the ideas within this article to help you cat stay beautiful but also safe and happy.