Cats are wonderful to have around, but they aren’t always easy to live with! With so many needs ranging from vet visit to nail clipping, they require you to know a lot of things. This article can teach you all about basic cat needs.

Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Many shelters are overcrowded with lovable and adoptable cats. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.

TIP! Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter.

Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. A breakaway collar is a good option since it will break if your cat pulls on it. This could help save your cat if it gets caught in a tight spot.

Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.

If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your phone number and your name as well.

TIP! Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up.

Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. They love to be able to look around from up high. You can get your cat to quit doing this if you make areas that it can climb up to. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.

Litter Box

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. This will keep both you and your cat happy.

TIP! To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. Put a square foot of terra cotta tile into your oven heated to 200 degrees.

Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. They are social creates which need reassurance. They want nothing more than to be an integral part of your family.

If you’re looking for good prices on cat medications, check online sources. The prices will usually be substantially better than at your vet. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. But, if you’re having to buy pet medication regularly, you will be able to save up to half the price if you buy online.

You should brush your cat very regularly. This will spread all of their natural oils around and help their blood flow. It will also minimize hair loss. This is a good way to avoid hairballs, which are a serious health problem since they can cause choking.

TIP! Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Teach your children how to handle a cat.

Initially, caring for cats may be simple, but there is a lot of work and love that needs to be given. Consider the tips presented here to help you become a better pet owner and feel prepared for whatever your cat has in store for you. All your research will pay off for both of you!