In the post adoption phase, many issues arise between cats and families. When one adopts unprepared, bad things can happen. Just remember, even with proper planning, there will always be unknowns when dealing with cats. Reviewing tips like those found below is very helpful; just remember to ready yourself for some surprises along the way!

Groom your cat. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. This will also cut down on shedding and can reduce issues with hairballs. Regularly grooming your cat will help keep it and your home looking great.

TIP! If you have drape cords in your home, keep them away from your cats. You should not allow your cat to play with drape cords since they could end up with the cord wrapped around their neck.

It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. Cats enjoy heights, as they can monitor events from their perch. You may mitigate the problem by providing designated heights for them to use. The use of a cat tower within your kitchen or close by can help make the cats stay off the counter.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even an indoor cat could someday jump through an open window. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. Every shelter and most veterinarian offices have microchip scanners that can read the chips, and best of all, they chips can’t be lost.

Cats sometimes will spend hours grooming themselves to perfection. If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs. If your cat has this issue, try changing his food. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hairballs, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.

TIP! You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments.

When traveling on the road with your cat, understand that they are sensitive to sounds. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. Keep your music off, and talk to your cat instead.

When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. It’s important to remind them as often as necessary, and when you plan ahead of time to teach your children, you will less likely to have issues.

Try to figure out the cause if you find your cat meowing excessively. The more time you spend with your cat, the better you’ll understand what its meows mean. She may be hungry, or she may want you to let her outside. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

TIP! Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring.

If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. Other cat owners may have had experience with what you’re going through right now. There are many online forums that discuss cats. Most vets will also be happy to help you with some advice.

Purchase high quality food for your cat. Pay attention to the ingredient list on any food you feed them. Protein needs to be one of the very first items on the list, while fillers like corn and other grains should be avoided. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Dry food is usually cheaper, but canned food boasts a number of benefits. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.

TIP! Your cat can devastate your furniture with its claws. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower.

These tips should be useful whether you have a Siamese kitten or an old Bengal. You have learned fundamental ideas on how to raise a happy and healthy cat; however, understand that all cats are different, and you will have to continually change your strategy. Having fun with a new cat is the most vital concept!