You have the opportunity to make an animal’s life better. Millions of cats are out there and need a home. It only takes some knowledge and commitment to care for a cat. Read here about how to approach the process properly.

If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. The best method of stopping this is to have your cat spayed.

TIP! Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments.

Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.

Become Bored

It’s important that you don’t forget your cat and allow them to become bored too easily. Every cat needs exercise time and play! Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Cats who become bored often have issues that can affect them in a big way. Some of these issues are obesity due to eating out of boredom, OCD issues, fighting with other pets and depression. Give them toys and things to do. If they’re an indoor cat, get them an object to climb on or a scratching post.

TIP! If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s old enough. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat.

The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Also be sure that the cat litter area is ventilated so the smell doesn’t linger. Both you and your cat will be happier.

Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. These are very painful and expensive to treat. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.

When traveling on the road with your cat, understand that they are sensitive to sounds. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. To ensure your cat’s trip is pleasant, turn off the music or keep the volume low.

TIP! You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost.

Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.

Do you own both a dog and a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. Consider placing the cat food on a location away from where the dog can reach. This also ensures that there are no squabbles over the water between the two, when the food is gone.

Cats have a love affair with heights. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If you don’t wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.

TIP! Your home furnishings can fall victim to your cat’s sharp claws. You need to get a scratching post or a cat tower to prevent your cat from ruining your furniture.

When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. Many times this occurs because the box wasn’t well maintained. Punishments given to the cat will just make him or her less willing to be around its owner going forward.

It is important that your cat always where a collar that identifies them. This is necessary even for an indoors pet. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. Include your contact number along with the name of your veterinarian. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.

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. A course of antibiotics often does the trick.

TIP! Never let a cat become bored. Cats require plenty of exercise.

It is important to designate a big and comfortable area for your cat to deliver her kittens. You need to be patient, as it will be three or four hours before all the kittens have been born. When six hours passes, get to the vet immediately.

Litter Box

It is possible that placing the litter box in a new part of the house will help your cat to bond with it. The cat instinctively feels vulnerable when using the litter box, so make sure it’s in a location that’s totally quiet and safe. Low-traffic areas like basements and laundry rooms are great places to put the litter box.

TIP! The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food.

Caring for a kitty is something that is enjoyable and rewarding. You’re providing affection and shelter to a create that needs it badly. Your cat and you will having a lifelong bond. Take care of your cat and your cat will take care of you.