Cats are mysterious animals. Your cat may seem to be very independent, but keep in mind that she needs you. It is so calm and peaceful to have your cat sitting calmly on your lap. You should keep reading to learn how you can properly care for your beloved pet.

Properly groom your cat. They need to be brushed every day. This will keep your cat’s coat clean. Having a clean fur coat helps reduce the amount of hairballs that get spit up around the house. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.

TIP! If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee.

Regular visits to the vet will make sure that you cat is as healthy as he can be. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.

Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.

Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. To help prevent your cat from doing this, you can establish tall places specifically for your cat. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.

TIP! Take your cat to the vet every year. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots.

Cats are nocturnal animals. They are often active at nighttime. If you have trouble sleeping because of cats, you may want to close the door to your bedroom. This will prevent them from entering your sleeping space and awakening you.

Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans. Your cat needs to socialize and get plenty of attention from everyone in your family. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.

You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it. This can result in you having to clean up food outside its bowl if you don’t use a tablecloth. You can also use any type of mat underneath your cat’s eating apparatus to reduce the mess.

TIP! Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? Dogs often take advantage of dining on the cat’s food. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This will also prevent squabbles between them.

You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.

Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? You have to brush your cat to avoid their shedding. The more your cat sheds, the more often you want to give them a good brushing. This will make your cat’s coat nice and smooth.

TIP! If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option.

Help your cat live a longer life by keeping them healthy and keeping them current with check-ups and vaccinations. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. When you have a cat, it becomes a member of your family, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.

When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. It could take 3-4 hours for every kitten to arrive, so be patient. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.

Phenol is a dangerous chemical to use around your cat. This chemical is often in Lysol and certain other regular household cleaners. The smell offends cats, and it can lead to prolonged illnesses.

TIP! Always watch a kitten around small kids. If children are younger than five years old, pets ought not be left with them.

Your cat should remain indoors and near your home. Free-ranging cats who spend most of their time outdoors have a shorter lifespan than those that are raised and accustomed to indoor living. Make sure your cat is trained as an indoor cat if you don’t want it to get diseases or other things that can happen when it’s outdoors.

Do not give human medications to cats. If they have health issues, see a vet and give them what they provide. Giving your pet medication that was meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and it may even cause death.

Cats sometimes fall victim to similar illnesses to humans. You know your friend’s habits, and you should be able to tell when they’re not feeling well. If you notice something, seek the advice of your veterinarian. The vet can reassure you that your cat isn’t seriously ill.

TIP! Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. This comes quite naturally to them and is not something that is learned.

An indoor-only cat is your best bet. Outdoor cats die younger and end up sick quite often. Your family, in turn, could get sick from your cat. Let your kitty have a sunny location indoors, such as a sunroom or window to fulfill their outdoor desires.

You might think that bathing your cat will improve the condition of its fur. However, unless your cat is excessively dirty, there’s usually no need for a bath. Cats are self groomers, with barbed tongues that make for excellent cleaning utensils to rid themselves of any dirt. Cats tend to be obsessed with the way that they look.

Cats can be perplexing, but they can also be wonderful friends. The tips here will help you keep them that way. Having cats can be a great thing for anyone, and when you care for them properly, a happy cat is a great friend.