If you were given the opportunity to rescue an animal, would you take it? Millions upon millions of cats are searching for a home. Taking in just one can enrich both your life and theirs.

Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. This ensures that your vet will have an excellent understanding of your pet’s medical history.

TIP! It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age.

Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Make sure that you teach your children the proper way to handle a kitten or cat. Teach them about appropriate activities and how to gentle pick up the cat. Cat’s bones aren’t quite as strong as dogs, so they must be treated gingerly.

When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. If your cat is going to be one that stays inside, let the kids know that it’s not allowed outside. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.

Cats generally will meow for a reason. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. Your cat could be hungry or thirsty, or it may want to leave the house. Look for the cues and you’ll be much more in tune with your pet.

TIP! Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped.

Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. When they mature, they can spend alone time with the kitty.

You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you’re having problems with your pet. You won’t have the knowledge to handle every cat issue properly, so take advantage of the experiences of others. You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.

Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. It is easier for older cats to chew. Speak with your vet, however generally speaking, canned cat food is better for your cat.

Aired Cats

Think about how much extra care is entailed in bringing a long-haired cat into your home. Long-haired cats shed constantly, and the fur ends up on your clothing, floors, and everything else in your home. These breeds are best left to those with the time and energy to do a lot of cleaning. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.

Make sure you put your catbox in the optimal location. You may want to hide it away. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. If your litter box location is on a cold floor, you may want to put a rug underneath of the box.

TIP! Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. Cat can sometimes chew on cords, and they should be covered to prevent this.

Do your best to keep your cat as healthy as possible and take it to the vet regularly. Not unlike kids, kittens require vaccinations and check ups every so often so that they do not get sick. Your cat is a member of your family, so treat them like any valued member of your home.

You should feel proud about your ability to care for your cat. You are sharing your home with an animal that really needs your love. You’ll also build a relationship with your pet. Take care of your cat and your cat will take care of you.