Cats are amazing to watch and obviously make exceptional pets. If your life is busy, this can work to your advantage. Apply the wonderful cat advice in this piece and make certain you have a happy and healthy cat.

If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only. One escape can lead to a lot of small kittens around! Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.

TIP! Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Although they provide the information needed to find your beloved pet, they can also accidentally get caught or even be wiggled out of. A microchip will hold the contact information to reach you and it’s only about as big as a piece of rice. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.

Litter Box

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. Your cat will be more comfortable and you will too.

TIP! Ensure your cat remains groomed. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing.

Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. When the cat’s hair is longer, this could lead to hairballs. There are foods which help combat this problem. There are foods on the market for cats that specifically deal with the hairball problems and are good for the cat.

When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. Cats tend to prefer gentle sounds during the day. To ensure your cat’s trip is pleasant, turn off the music or keep the volume low.

A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. A lot of time cats will take their food from their bowls to eat it on the food bowl’s side. That means you will have to tidy up the food left beside the cat bowl. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.

TIP! Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments.

Cats enjoy high places. For a truly happy cat, provide a safe place for your cat to survey his surroundings. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.

Give your cat a wide array of foods in order to prevent pickiness. If you feed them the same cat food every day, they may not accept anything else. This makes it difficult to find food they’ll eat when a store runs out of a certain brand, or you are traveling.

Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. This is essential even for indoor cats. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian’s information as well. This is crucial if your cat requires special medical attention.

TIP! Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat.

Have your cat vaccinated as often as your vet prescribes. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.

Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. If your cat refuses to use its litter box, there may be an underlying health concern. If your cat is not using the litter, kidney or bladder problems and infections may be the problem. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.

If your pet is avoiding its litter box, try moving it to a different spot. Just like humans, cats can be sensitive to where they eliminate, so choose a private location if possible. A basement or laundry area might be a good option.

TIP! Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. A kitty tower can really save your furniture.

Don’t give a cat human medications. A visit to the veterinarian will ensure that your pet receives the proper medication. Giving your cat your medication can actually cause your pet serious harm.

If your cat gets hairballs often and you have been brushing her regularly, there are other things that may help. Adding in just 1 teaspoon of pumpkin mixed in with their food bowl can help with prevention. You might even want to try to add a teaspoon of tuna water mixed together with the pumpkin to see if that helps. Another solution may be to use a cat food that has anti-hairball properties added.

When it comes to choosing a pet for your home, you can’t deny that cats are an alluring option. To be a good owner, you have to know how to properly take care of your cat. Remember the included information and you can be the best cat owner imaginable. This way, both you and your cat will enjoy a lifetime of fun and fulfillment.