Some people believe cats are magical. Cats are extremely smart and independent; however, they can also be very loving, which makes them an ideal pet. However caring for cats is not always easy. Keep reading to learn more about proper cat care so that your cat will remain healthy and happy.

Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. This also allows the vet to become more familiar with your cat’s unique health needs and personality.

Scratching Post

Your cat’s claws can wreck havoc on your furniture. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. You should scold your cat when it scratches your furniture and direct its attention to the scratching post or tower. It may take some time, but will be worth the effort and expense.

Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. You may mitigate the problem by providing designated heights for them to use. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.

TIP! When looking for a new cat for your home, contact a local animal shelter. They have tons of amazing cats who desperately need a home.

Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Tags and collars are great, but if a cat escapes them, there’s no guaranteeing they’ll make it home safe and sound. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.

Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. Special food can help. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.

Online Sources

TIP! Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. There are shots and vaccinations that are standard and necessary for your cat.

If you’re looking for good prices on cat medications, check online sources. The prices will usually be substantially better than at your vet. You can’t always get it online. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.

If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.

Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.

TIP! Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. If your cat still prefers to chew on cords, then you have to make sure they stay covered.

If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

Think twice before leaving a child alone with a kitten. Younger children, especially under 5, cannot be left alone with your cat. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.

Cats need to have play in their life. Many animals like to play, and that includes humans and cats. Your old cat will not play as much but will still appreciate the excitement. Playing with your cat will help you to form happy and cherished memories to look back on.

TIP! Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post.

Does your home feel inundated with balls of cat fur? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. This will help to prevent tangling and matting.

The best way to make sure that you have a healthy cat is to keep up to date with vaccinations and trips to the vet. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.

Litter Box

TIP! Never let a cat become bored. Cats need to exercise and play.

Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. Abandoning proper litter box habits is often a warning sign of serious health problems in cats. For example, the behavior may be caused by an infection of the kidneys or bladder. Ask your vet if your cat begins missing the litter box.

If your pet is expecting kittens, be sure she has a spacious area to give birth in. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If you believe your cat is still giving birth after six hours, you should immediately drive to the vet’s office.

Put a collar your cat with your contact information on it. This should be done even with an indoors cat. The animal could get out. If this happens, ensure there’s a way they can find home again.

TIP! Cats are generally nocturnal. Do not be surprised if your cat is very active at night.

Cats are unique creatures that make wonderful pets in the home if you take a little time to learn how to care for them properly. Refer to the tips included here often. Put the information to good use for your kitty friend so that you can have them in your life for many years to come.