Cats are fantastic pets, but there are certain things you need to know to care for them in the best way possible. As the owner of a cat, you have the responsibility of making sure your cat has everything it needs to enjoy life. This article has lots of useful cat tips.

Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care. Taking a cat home with you means that a life has been saved.

TIP! If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. You may not think it’s necessary if you have an indoor cat, but your cat may escape.

Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. If your cat has any health issues or injuries, you should try and have them seen right away.

Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.

Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls. You can bundle loose cords together and place them inside paper towel rolls. Whenever you aren’t using any thin, electronic cords, you should store them away.

Frequently Bored

Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Your cat needs plenty of exercise. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. Cats that are frequently bored may develop OCD, depression or other harmful conditions. You need to give it new toys regularly and make sure your cat has plenty of space to run and play. You need to provide your cats with something they can climb and scratch.

Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. To stop this from happening, make sure your cat’s food doesn’t have much magnesium in it. Always read labels. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.

TIP! Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas.

You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. Online prescriptions are not the best choice if you do not have the time to wait on a mail order, such as in a medical emergency. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.

Create a tablecloth just for your cat. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side. This can lead to a big clean-up. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.

Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. This could mean that your cat needs to go out or is hungry. Listen to what’s she’s trying to tell you, and you’ll begin to understand her cues.

TIP! Cats love high spots. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area.

Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. When your children age, you will realize when they’re able to deal with a pet.

Litter Box

Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.

TIP! Brush your cat’s fur regularly. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur.

Proper care of your pet cat is essential to his happiness and yours. Cat owners should read this article and use all of its great tips. With proper care, your cat will live a healthy and vibrant life.