Have you welcomed a cat into your home? If this happens to be you, then you already recognize how great they are. Your cat needs plenty of love and attention. That’s something you can definitely do! Read this article for some great ideas on how to take care of your cat.

Your cat needs to be groomed properly. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly. This can keep them clean. It will also cut down on shedding and hairballs. A well-groomed feline looks great on their own, but also helps keep a home well-groomed too.

TIP! Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling.

Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. It can really be a life saver for your cat.

The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.

Do you own a dog and cat? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat’s food. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. In doing so, you prevent spats and spitting over competition for water.

TIP! Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots.

Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.

You should never punish your cat for not using the litter box. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. Punishments given to the cat will just make him or her less willing to be around its owner going forward.

You should not get rid of your cat’s old scratching post. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.

Drinking Fountain

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Cats seem to like a water stream better. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. A drinking fountain will be good for the environment and can help the cat to enjoy its water more.

Play is something that all cats need to do. Just like playtime is important for other types of pets, the same holds true for your cat, despite whatever their age happens to be. Even older cats like to play. Therefore, be sure you set some time for playing with your cat.

TIP! Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even indoor cats get out sometimes.

If your cat’s about to have kittens, create a spacious area in which she can do so. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. Once 6 hours have passed, if all the kittens have not been delivered you should seek the help of a vet.

Cat Wags

Dogs are known to way their tails. This means they are content or excited and is normal dog behavior. When a cat wags its tail, it’s for a completely different reason. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.

TIP! Don’t allow your cat become bored. Your cat needs plenty of exercise.

Your cat should stay inside most of the time, and when it’s outside, you should ensure it remains close to home. Cats that stay inside have been shown to live much longer than the ones that are allowed to roam your neighborhood. Going outside may give your pet some exercise, but the risk of disease or injury outweighs that benefit.

You want to make sure that you are taking good care of your beloved cat. Now that you’ve read this, you should know much more about proper cat care. Use the tips from this article to ensure your cat is happy and healthy. If you love your cat, you will receive much love back.