Cats are curious creatures. They act like they don’t need you; however, they enjoy being around you. They may also engage in erratic behavior. Check out these tips to help you better understand and help your furry little friend.

Take your cat to the vet every year. A yearly visit for a regular check-up is important, with more frequent visits for shots as required. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.

TIP! Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly.

Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Both you and your cat will be happier.

If you cat is overly vocal, try to figure out exactly why he or she is making so much noise. As you develop a relationship with your cat over time, it will become easier to determine why she is meowing. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. Know what your cats cries mean so that you’re able to understand the cat more.

Think twice before letting your cat outside. This could be harmful and unsafe. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. Your cat might be injured by people, other animals and even vehicles on the road. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.

TIP! Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots.

Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. Kids of this age aren’t old enough to know how dangerous a cat can be. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.

Give your cat a good brushing regularly. This helps spread out the cat’s natural oils in their fur and stimulates blood flow in the skin. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. This will help you to avoid hairballs, which may cause your cat to choke. Hairballs are caused when a cat grooms itself.

Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Avoid brands that use non-meat fillers like corn. The main part of a cat’s diet should be meat protein, so his cat food should be mostly real meat.

TIP! A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post.

If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. This behavior may be indicative of an infection of the urinary tract or some other issue. Some inexpensive antibiotics can clear up a potentially dangerous illness.

Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. It is pretty normal for all different types of species to have an inner desire to play. Even a mature cat that isn’t as spry anymore it still loves to play around. Enjoy some playtime with your cat.

Try relocating your cat’s litter box if it’s refusing to use it. A cat knows that when it’s going to the bathroom it’s in a vulnerable situation, so you should make sure the box is in a calm, secure location. A basement or laundry area might be a good option.

TIP! You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window.

Cats are really hard to decipher, but they are definitely loyal pets. Use the ideas in this piece to get the most of your relationship. Owning a cat is a wonderful experience but you need to make sure that your friends is happy and healthy.