Cats are very interesting and loving pets to have. They are independent, so they do not require you to supervise them 24/7. The following article will help you to learn all about cats.

Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. You’re literally saving their life.

TIP! Any drape cords should be hidden so the cat cannot grab hold of them. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks.

Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.

Litter Box

The correct location is important when picking a spot for a cat’s litter box. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. Your kitty will thank you.

TIP! Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. You can regularly brush or comb your cat.

Always provide your feline with special attention and affection. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. Cats want to feel loved and needed.

Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.

Let your cat get comfortable using a carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. They prefer encouragement instead. Place a beloved blanket or item inside the carrier and let it stay open near the cat’s usual haunts. The cat will enter it on its own. In the future, your cat will not get scared when you put him in the carrier.

TIP! A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it.

You cat should get cat food that is of a good quality. Your cat needs a lot of protein from meat, so read the labels before you choose a food. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Cats are meant to eat meat, and that means that they need to have foods that are high in protein.

Use canned food for your cat. Although it is usually more expensive, canned food offers real nutritional advantages. They have more water, protein and fat too. It is easier for older cats to chew. Speak with the vet, but food in cans tends to be better.

Frequent urination outside the litter box may indicate a visit to the vet is required. This is likely to be something that should be looked after. Certain antibiotics prescribed by your vet can clear up the problem.

TIP! Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Every cat needs exercise time and play! Many owners just don’t have time.

Are you having a hard time getting rid of cat hair? Cats do a lot of shedding, and it helps to brush them. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. Brushing can help prevent their fur from matting or tangling.

Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. You may believe that the litter box should be kept in a small place so that you won’t smell it. However, it’s important to make sure your cat can easily access its litter box. Felines can be finicky. This means you must give them the right location and make sure it is inviting. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.

Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. Cats need to have vaccines and check-ups just like children. This can help to prevent diseases. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.

TIP! A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long.

When your cat is nearly ready to have her kittens, prepare a spacious, but protected area for your cat to give birth. Understand that a female cat will require three or four hours in order to give birth to every kitten. If more than five or six hours have passed, and you think that kittens still remain inside, then you must get in touch with your vet.

Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. In part, these include garlic, onions and grapes. If your cat eats these foods, he may become sick or even die. Milk can also end up giving your cat an upset stomach.

Don’t give cats human medication. If your cat is sick, take it to the veterinarian and use the medication recommended. You could unintentionally kill your beloved pet if you use medications designed for humans.

TIP! A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive.

Try and incorporate dry food into your cats diet. Kittens need some wet food because they have very small teeth. When they get older, their teeth benefit from harder dry foods. You can also mix wet and dry food together if your cat is really picky.

Place some sticky tape on your furniture. This can deter your cat from scratching the upholstery. There is tape available that is specifically designed for this. By keeping your furniture covered with tape and getting a scratching post put up, you will get your cat to scratch that instead.

Cat are great pets due to their intelligence and independent attitude. Of course, this only applies if you are prepared to put forth the time and effort to care for the animal. Learn all you can to be the best cat owner possible. Educating yourself properly will improve the quality of the time you share with your cat for both of you.