Cats make the perfect pet for several reasons. Those who have never owned a cat before would be wise to read the following article. The tips below are what every owner must know to have a happy life with their cat.

You should be bringing your cat to their vet for a check-up regularly. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. When you find a vet you like, stick with them. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Spay your female cat. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. The best method of preventing your cat from pregnancy is to get her spayed.

Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs. This particularly applies to flea products. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. If your dog has been treated for fleas, keep him away from your cat for at least three hours.

Do not isolate the litter box in a distant place. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food. You’ll want to place the box in a spot with good ventilation to avoid unpleasant smells. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.

TIP! Cats frequently groom themselves. If your kitty is a long-haired breed, the result of this might be hairballs.

Try to figure out why your cat meows. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. This could mean that your cat needs to go out or is hungry. Pay attention to her cues, and you can understand your cat that much more.

Litter Box

Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.

TIP! Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Cats often like to remove food from their bowl to eat it off to the side.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. They like responding to encouragement better. Leave your cat carrier open and put a few special toys inside. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.

Feed canned food to your cat. Dry foods are cheaper but canned foods are richer in vitamins and nutrients. Canned food is rich in protein and fat and also has a higher water content. Older cats also find it easier to chew up. Ask your vet, though canned food is often better for your cat.

Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. When cats are suffering from something, they may end up going to the restroom randomly outside of their box. Some common issues are bladder and kidney problems. Therefore, whenever you notice your cat not using its litter box, call your veterinarian.

TIP! Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. If you have spent any significant amount of time around your cat, you will quickly find you can figure out what he wants when he cries.

Make sure you provide adequate space to a cat that is about to give birth. Understand that a female cat will require three or four hours in order to give birth to every kitten. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.

Don’t give a cat human medications. If your cat needs medication, then you should take your cat to the vet. Your cat could become very sick or perhaps die when taking your medication.

Cats are really good at smelling, and that means they’re good at figuring out if something in their environment has changed. For example, your cat will instantly detect a new scratching post, bed, food dish, etc. Don’t be upset if the cat does not take to these items immediately. You cat will adjust as the smells of the new items as they become a regular part of his daily routine.

TIP! Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners.

Keep your eyes open for any signs of panting in your cat. Dogs pant as a way to release heat from their bodies. Panting in a cat possibly indicates something serious is going on. Do not hesitate to contact a vet, particularly if there has been a history of respiratory problems.

If your cat is prone to hairballs and additional brushing has no effect, you may be able to resolve the problem in other ways. Consider mixing a little pumpkin into your cat’s food. Try also mixing in some water from tuna with the pumpkin. It is also possible to get help from cat food varieties containing fiber and other ingredients.

It’s good to keep your cat well fed, but overfeeding can cause a number of health problems. The result of overeating is obesity, which then leads to other health issues. Feed your cat only as much as the packaging suggests.

TIP! Don’t get mad at your cat if it urinates outside the litter box. When this occurs, it is probably just a sign that the litter box wasn’t properly taken care of.

Vets are important, but the bills can be rough! You can save money on medications by ordering them online. There are a few companies that will deliver the medications right to your house. This is a great way to handle purchasing medications your cat takes on a monthly basis.

Think about having your cat be indoors-only. Outdoor cats die younger and end up sick quite often. Your family could get these too. Make sure kitty has a nice, sunny window to enjoy instead.

When you decide that you want a cat, it is a fantastic decision. These animals can be very loving and help you reduce your stress. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Use the tips below to make sure you and your pet have a happy relationship for years to come.