Cats can make totally delightful pets, if you know the proper care techniques. Every owner should learn the ways to care for a cat. This article is going to provide you with smart advice about caring for your cat.

Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. You’re literally saving their life.

TIP! Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. It is easy for the cat to get his head caught among the cords when playing with them.

Good grooming is important for cats. They need to be brushed every day. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.

Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.

Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. They may not take to it overnight, but they should eventually.

TIP! If you own a female cat, make sure the cat is spade when she’s 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.

Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. Check the ingredients list on the label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.

When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. You cat is used to being at home and it might shock him to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. Try turning down your tunes or keeping it off to make your cat’s trip better.

Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Kids 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. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.

Drinking Fountain

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. The drinking fountain will look more inviting than a water bowl. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.

Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Be prepared to deal with hairballs, which are a problem for long-haired cats.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even though a cat may live inside, you never know if it will run out the door to escape.

Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. A kitten is not so different from a child. It needs properly-scheduled check-ups and immunizations to prevent medical complications down the road. Your cat is wonderful addition to the family, and must be cared for in the same way that you would treat all members of your household.

When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. Cats move their tails too, but it’s not for the same reason. Tail-wagging in a cat usually means a conflict or that they’re deciding to flee or pounce regarding a situation. If you notice you cat begin to wag his tail when you are holding him, put him down to be sure you are not scratched or swatted.

Proper Care

TIP! Remember that very young children can be a bit too rough with a cat or new kitten. Guide your kids in handling a feline.

Cats are great pets, but they need proper care. If you’re going to own a cat and be responsible about it you should reread this article and use the information that is in it. With the proper care and love, your cat will live a long, healthy life.