Cats can be tough to please at times. Their moods and actions can be quite a mystery. However, with the right information, you can ensure your cat is properly cared for. You want your pet to have the best care possible and for them to be happy.

A vet trip should happen for your cat yearly. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Try to stay with the same veterinarian throughout your pet’s life. You won’t have to worry that the vet won’t have all of your cat’s medical records.

TIP! Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care.

Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they have a collar on, this might prove to be a safety risk if they happen to get stuck. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. This will help you save your cat’s life.

A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. Long hair encourages hairballs. If your cat has this issue, try changing his food. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.

Litter Box

TIP! You should be bringing your cat to their vet for a check-up regularly. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health.

If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. Often, this happens when the litter box is dirty. If you punish the cat, it may shy away from you at future times.

Although your cat’s old scratching post may look very worn out, you shouldn’t throw it away. The cats loves it the most in this condition. Ditching the structure may alienate your cat, making it more likely to turn elsewhere in your home for its scratching needs.

Give your cat canned food. While dry food is less costly, the canned food has added benefits. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. It is easier for older cats to chew. Can food is generally better, but consult your vet first before feeding it to your cat.

TIP! To help your old cat feel comfy, keep a tile that’s heated under their bed. Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch.

Cats need to play! In fact, play is a common activity for all mammals, including people and cats, no matter their age. Though older cats don’t have as much energy, they still need some play. Make sure you play with your cat at least once a day.

Are you having a hard time getting rid of cat hair? Brushing your cat regularly can fight the constant shedding that often can occur. If your cat is shedding a lot, you should brush them more frequently. This keeps the coat from matting, too.

Avoid using phenol-containing chemicals if you have cats. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. Cats hate the smell of phenol and continuously exposing them to it could cause liver problems later in their lives.

TIP! Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. Thus, the bulk of their activity will occur at night.

Keep an eye out for panting. Dogs normally do pant. Cats often pant when they are anxious or overheated, but this may also signal a more serious issue. Be sure to talk to a vet, particularly if the cat is prone to respiratory issues.

Preventing hairballs can help keep your cat sanitary and safe. Mix one teaspoon of pumpkin into your cat’s regular food. A teaspoon of tuna water mixed with pumpkin can also work. It is also possible to get help from cat food varieties containing fiber and other ingredients.

Cats can often get the same illnesses as you can. You will be able to tell when the cat isn’t well. It is important to have your cat checked out at the vet. The vet can then rule out serious conditions.

TIP! Give your kitty lots of love. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same.

Some cat owners are tempted to bathe their cats to keep them clean and well-groomed. In their ordinary day-to-day lives, though, cats seldom get dirty enough to require bathing. Cats groom themselves everyday; the barbed tongues they have allow them to get dirt off their fur. Cats tend to be obsessed with the way that they look.

Bad Weather

Cats should always be brought inside during bad weather. This includes extreme cold, high winds and hard rain. Cats are going to need a place to get away if there is bad weather and they may hide under vehicles or even in them. If they are left out, they might be lost once the weather has calmed.

TIP! Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat.

Even if you’re not able to make your cat happy, you can still be a great cat owner with these tips. These tips can also keep your cat healthy and strong at all times. Once your cat is happy, you will be too. Maybe!