Similar to people, cats have to eat healthy foods with nutrients. If they don’t, your cat runs the risk of becoming obese or malnourished. You will learn a lot about caring for your feline friend if you read this article.

Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat’s life. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.

TIP! Keep your drape cords out of your cats reach. These can cause your cat to choke if they get a hold of it.

Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. This could save your cat’s life!

Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.

It’s very important to get your cat microchipped. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

TIP! Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous.

Keep your cat away from boredom. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime. Unfortunately there are too many cat owners who don’t properly exercise their cats. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them time and space where they can exercise and toys they can play with. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.

Litter Box

The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.

TIP! Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. They need a routine check-up every year, maybe more of important shots are necessary.

Your cat probably spends a lot of time grooming himself to perfection. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.

Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!

Use care if you have kids and a cat. Up until your child is five, children shouldn’t be alone with your pet. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.

TIP! It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products.

It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. Using the litter box will come naturally to your cat. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.

Brush your cat’s fur regularly. This helps to stimulate blood flow and circulation, and it will also help to evenly distribute the natural oil your cat’s fur has. It is also a good way to reduce shedding. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.

Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. That’s because this type of food provides your cat with more protein, good fat and water. Canned food is much easier to chew for older cats. Speak with your veterinarian, but keep this tip in mind.

TIP! You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. It is dangerous in today’s society.

A good diet is crucial to your cat’s health. A diet with an overabundance of bad food or even just minimal amounts of right foods can leave your cat unhealthy, unhappy and even dead too early. Ensure your cat’s longevity and health by providing it with the food it needs.