Cats are extremely interesting and are wonderful animals. As a cat-owner, it is crucial that you educate yourself on proper cat-care and learn everything you can to ensure that your lovable feline friend enjoys a healthy and fulfilling life. Read these tips to get the most enjoyment out of your cat.

Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.

TIP! Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care.

If you have a female cat it is important to have her spayed once she becomes old enough. It does not matter if you an indoor cat; if she gets out when in heat, you can end up with many kittens. Unless you want the hassle of getting rid of kittens, spaying is the best option for your cat.

It’s not easy to keep cats off counters. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.

You should never allow your cat to be bored all the time. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. You need to give it new toys regularly and make sure your cat has plenty of space to run and play. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.

Litter Box

You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!

Try and figure out why kitty is meowing. After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. By listening to your cat, it will be easier to know what they want.

TIP! Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. If your cat happens to be a champion cord-chewer, you’ll need to use cord covers to protect your cords.

Brush your cat’s fur regularly. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. It will also minimize hair loss. This can reduce hairballs which can be harmful to a cat and build up in their stomachs.

Feeding your cat different types of food helps ensure they don’t get finicky. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.

Drinking Fountain

TIP! Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat to get water from. Your cat will prefer drinking from running water since this is a natural behavior. Cats prefer to drink water that is streaming. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.

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. Kittens need proper medical care just like young children, and its best to bring them in every so often for health checks to ensure nothing terrible is going on. When you have a cat, it becomes a member of your family, so you’ll want to ensure that it’s as healthy as possible.

As was mentioned in the opening paragraph of this article, cats make great pets. Take the time to learn the best way to take care of a cat so that you can fulfill your obligation as its owner. Read this article again if need be. Your pet cat will love you!