Similar to people, cats have to eat healthy foods with nutrients. Without the right nutrition, cats can get sick. This article will give you advice on how to properly feed and care for your cat.

Take your cat in for regular vet exams. 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. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.

TIP! If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable.

Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. Some required information on the tag would be the cat’s name and your personal phone number.

The claws of a cat can really destroy parts of your house and furniture. If you have problems with a cat that shreds furniture, invest in a durable scratching post. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.

If your cat is excessively meowing, try to figure out why. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

TIP! In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots.

There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. It’s not a good idea to rub your cats paws in litter. Some people think this is the way to train. It isn’t.

Get your feline acclimated to its carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. They are much better with encouragement. Put their favorite toy and blanket in a carrier. Leave it somewhere they always go to. The cat will enter it on its own. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.

As soon as you adopt your cat, fit him with identification tags attached to a collar. Even a cat you plan on always staying indoors should have identification. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. They should wear a tag with your vet’s info as well as your telephone number. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.

TIP! Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away.

Play is something that all cats need to do. Of course, all mammals like to play, regardless of age or species. Even older cats like to play. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.

Is there cat hair everywhere? Cats do a lot of shedding, and it helps to brush them. If your cat sheds, it’s important to brush then frequently. This will also help their coat from getting tangled or matted.

If your pet is expecting kittens, be sure she has a spacious area to give birth in. Labor can last as long as four hours, so stay patient. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.

TIP! A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. A kitty tower can really save your furniture.

If your feline just won’t use the litter box, try moving it to a different location. Cat’s sometimes just don’t like the location you’ve picked for the box. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.

Put a collar your cat with your contact information on it. Even if you own an indoor cat, it’s possible he or she might escape. If that happens, you want to be sure that there is a way for them to make it back home.

Your cat will thank you if you avoid phenol in your cleaning products. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. The smell is pretty offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver damage.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident.

You should not let your de-clawed cat outdoors. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Indoor cats are the only ones that you should declaw. It is important to note that if you are declawing a cat, only the front claws on the cat should be removed. The back claws are left because these won’t scratch your furniture or floors.

It is crucial that you never make the mistake of giving your cat any medications that are meant for human use. The vet is the only one who should do the prescribing – not you. Giving your cat your medication can actually cause your pet serious harm.

Beware of panting. Panting is a normal thing in dogs. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. Be sure to talk to a vet, particularly if the cat is prone to respiratory issues.

Sticky Tape

Place some sticky tape on your furniture. Cats will avoid scratching furniture if it is equipped with sticky tape. There is tape available that is specifically designed for this. By protecting your furniture and providing a scratching post, you can break this type of habit.

Your cat needs a healthy diet. If you cat eats too little, too much or eats a diet low in nutrients, it health can be adversely impacted. Do what is best for the cat and provide good food.