Cats need to be entertained. If left alone, cats sometimes climb and scratch on your furniture. This can be prevented by offering cat toys. This article includes lots of information about cats and how to keep them occupied.

Look a local animal shelters for cats. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits. Adopting your cat at a shelter allows you to save a cat’s life while also helping mitigate overpopulation.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits.

Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.

Make sure that you never neglect your cat. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. Make them feel at home.

Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated. Demonstrate the proper way to pick up a cat and what they can do with the cat. Feline bones are weaker than those of many other pets, so they must be handled with care.

TIP! Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Cats require frequent brushing or combing.

Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.

Brush your cat at regular times. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This is a good way to avoid hairballs, which are a serious health problem since they can cause choking.

Identification Tags

TIP! If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only.

Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. This will be important even if you have an indoor cat. Cats love to explore, and if they see an opportunity to go outside, they will take it. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This is also vital if your animal has health issues.

Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. The litter box needs to be placed in a spot that your cat can reach very easily. Cats can be finicky; that’s why you should give them space for their litter box that is familiar and does not put them off. If the littler box is on cold, hard floor, try placing a rug beneath it.

It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. Cats that stay inside have been shown to live much longer than the ones that are allowed to roam your neighborhood. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.

TIP! You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations.

Don’t have an outdoor cat declawed. The cat will be unable to defend itself against other cats or animals, risking injury or even death. Indoor cats are the only ones that should be de-clawed. 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.

If you are lucky enough to have a cat that has a lot of hairballs, and brushing doesn’t seem to be helping to lessen them, then the following tips might help. Mix in a few pinches of pumpkin into your cat’s food. Add in an extra spoonful of water if the mixture is too thick. It is also possible to get help from cat food varieties containing fiber and other ingredients.

It’s important to only feed your cat the amount of food that it should have to ensure a healthy life. If your cat gets more food than he needs, then he will quickly become obese which can lead to more serious health issues. Know how much your cat is eating and be sure the cat has a diet that is balanced well.

TIP! It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs.

Cats are very energetic and you can help them expend that energy by giving them toys. If you value your home, then you need to know how to keep your cat from tearing it up because it’s bored. Everything you’ve read in this article will go a long way toward creating a happier and healthier companion.