Cats are very fascinating, and they also are great pets. If you own a cat, then you need to inform yourself on how to properly care for your cat to ensure it is healthy. Keep reading to learn more about cat care.

A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Try using one veterinarian consistently. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.

TIP! Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee.

Prevent your cat from getting zapped by coating exposed wires with bitter apple. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords. The tube from a used-up roll of paper towels makes an excellent shield for loose cords. Electronic items with thin, tempting cords should always be put away when not in use.

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.

It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything. You can control this tendency a bit by making high places in the house that you feel comfortable having your cat utilize. If you don’t want your cats to jump on your counters, you can put a cat condo in or around the kitchen.

TIP! Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people.

Keep your cat active and entertained to avoid boredom. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. Therefore, ensure your cat has enough space for exercising and playing. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.

When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Make sure that you let your kids know which areas of the house the cat will be allowed in. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.

Don’t let your cat go outside. There are many dangers to your cat outside. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. It could be injured via a vehicle or another animal. If your cat must be an outdoor cat, limit it to your own backyard.

TIP! Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost.

Brush your cat at regular times. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. This will help to eliminate hairballs, which build in your cat’s stomach and prevents it from grooming itself.

If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. Punishment can make your cat fearful in your presence.

Drinking Fountain

TIP! Get a microchip for your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats like running water in the wild, as well as in the home. Cats will respond more positively to streams of water. In fact, there are cats that enjoy drinking from a running sink instead of a bowl. Installing a drinking fountain for your cat is a more eco-friendly way to provide it with some running water.

Make sure your cat has routine check ups and vaccinations to ensure longevity and good health. Just like kids, kittens must have wellness checks and immunizations periodically to keep health issues and diseases from coming up later. Your cat is part of your family, and you should treat him as you would any other well-loved member of your household.

As stated earlier in this article, cats are great pets. Knowing how to properly care for your cat is essential to make sure he has a long and happy life with you. Take these suggestions to heart so you can learn to be a great cat owner. You will be thanked by your cat.