Having a cat in your home can be a wonderful experience. As the owner of a cat, you have the special responsibility to provide adequate attention, care and grooming to this ensure a healthy life. Go over this article to find out more about how you can care for your cat.

When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. A cat gets a new chance at life and the cat population stays in check with adoption.

TIP! Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them.

Take your cat to the vet every year. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Teach them to scratch on it instead of your belongings. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.

Cats are usually more active during the night. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night. If you find that your nocturnal kitties are waking you up in the middle of the night, the solution may be as simple as closing the door to your bedroom. This will keep them from pouncing on you and trying to play in the middle of the night.

Litter Box

The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!

Give your cat lots of attention and love. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. They should feel like a valued family member as well.

TIP! Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive.

If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. After a while, you’ll start to recognize what some of the noises your cats makes mean. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. Getting to know your cats cues will help you to interpret her meows.

Think hard before allowing your cat outside. This could be harmful and unsafe. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. There’s the chance that your pet could be harmed by other animals or passing vehicles. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.

Cat Owners

TIP! Think hard before allowing your cat outside. Cats come to harm outside every day.

Talk to others when you have a problem with your cat. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.

Carriers are great devices for you to have as a cat owner. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Cats are better trained by using patient encouragement. Place a blanket or favorite toy inside the carrier to make your cat more acclimated to the carrier. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. A cat who is used to a carrier will not mind traveling, meaning it will be a much less stressful experience for them.

If you offer a variety of foods to your cat, it will be less picky about what it eats. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.

TIP! Are you the proud owner of both a cat and dog? Dogs will always try to eat a cat’s food. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to.

If possible, always choose canned cat food. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. Canned food generally provides more nutrients, protein and fat as well as liquids. Aging cats find it makes it much easier to chew. Be sure to ask your vet about your pet’s food; however, canned food is usually the best for your cat.

As previously mentioned, cats are great pets. Knowing how to properly care for your cat is essential to make sure he has a long and happy life with you. Keep this information handy, so that you can refer back to it from time to time. Your cat will love you for it.