Cats are a popular pet for millions, and they deserve love and proper care. Every owner should learn the ways to care for a cat. This piece is full of terrific guidance.

Good grooming is important for cats. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. This leads to a cleaner cat. Also, this can eliminate the constant shedding that you will deal with. Grooming a cat properly will improve the appearance of your home and cat.

TIP! Good grooming is important for cats. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis.

Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can travel a long way and this will help you get them back easier if they’re lost. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.

Cats frequently groom themselves. When the cat’s hair is longer, this could lead to hairballs. Special food can help. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.

Speak to other people if you’re having cat troubles. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.

TIP! You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems.

Don’t toss your cat’s scratching post just because it’s starting to look haggard. To your cat the post is just right. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.

You cat should get cat food that is of a good quality. Scrutinize the ingredients closely, and make sure that quality protein sources like chicken, fish and beef are first on the list. Some foods contain a lot of fillers like corn products, don’t buy those. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.

Invest in a cat friendly fountain. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. A constant stream of water will entice them to stay hydrated. You could even consider turning on your sink a few times a day to let your cat drink from the faucet. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.

TIP! Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous.

If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.

Extra Grooming

Long haired cats take extra grooming time, so think about that before choosing one. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. You should only get a long-haired cat if you are prepared for the extra grooming and cleaning. Also, cats with long hair tend to have frequent hairball issues.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs.

Take your cat for vaccinations often to make sure he or she is healthy. Kittens, like children, need to have their vaccinations and wellness appointments regularly to prevent diseases and other health issues from becoming a problem later in life. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.

With dogs, tail wagging is a sign they’re in a good mood, or glad their owners are around. Cats move their tails too, but it’s not for the same reason. If your cats tail is wagging, it could indicate that the animal is facing a fight-or-flight situation. It also suggests possible conflict or uncertainty. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.

Pet cats should not be allowed to spend time outdoors or away from its home for long periods of time. Indoor kitties typically live longer than the outdoor variety. You should go outside with your cat every day to play and exercise.

TIP! If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost.

Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. Cats without claws cannot stand up for themselves if they encounter another animal. The result could be injuries or death. If your cat is an outside cat, do not have it declawed. Remove only the front claws. A cat’s back claws are important to his balance.

Health Issues

Avoid overfeeding your cat because this can cause many health issues. Your cat could become obese and develop some health issues. Watch your cat’s portions and make sure that you feed him a well-balanced diet.

TIP! Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. 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.

Place a sticky style tape on your furniture. If the cat tends to scratch your upholstery, some tape may stop the practice. There is tape available that is specifically designed for this. If you place the tape on the furniture and add a scratching pole, your cat should stop scratching your things.

As long as you commit to giving it the proper care, a cat can be a terrific pet. You’ve read this article in full as you want to be a more responsible pet owner. With the right tender loving care you can ensure that your kitty enjoys a terrific, healthy life.