It isn’t easy to adopt a cat and quickly get up-to-speed on how to care for it. Getting pets before properly preparing is a disaster. You can’t ever be 100% prepared when you own a pet. However, preparing yourself in advance is best, and it helps you be ready for your new pet.

Take your cat to the vet every year. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.

TIP! If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters around the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help.

If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.

Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them. One good way to beat this problem is by giving your kitty some safe, high perches throughout the house. If you place a cat tower around the kitchen area, they may be less likely to lay on your counters.

A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.

TIP! Your cat will want to climb 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.

Cats are nocturnal animals. The result is that they active while you’re sleeping. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. You won’t be able to hear their sounds as they walk around in the middle of the night.

Litter Box

You have to place a litter box correctly. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. To prevent a strong stench, be sure this space is well-ventilated. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.

TIP! Spay your cat as soon as she is old enough. 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.

Be sure you show your cat lots of love. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Like most folks, cats have the need to socialize to feel like part of the family. Make them feel at home.

Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. They should know that indoor cats can’t go outside. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.

Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? Dogs will eat cat food right up. This is why it is necessary to have two separate feeding areas. This will also prevent squabbles between them.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window.

Never reprimand your cat for missing the litter box. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. Ditching the structure may alienate your cat, making it more likely to turn elsewhere in your home for its scratching needs.

New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. In the beginning, they may not seem to get along at all. With enough time to acclimate themselves to the new arrangement, though, virtually any two cats will become willing, friendly, and perhaps even inseparable companions.

TIP! If you’re taking kitty on a road trip, don’t play loud music. While you may like some good tunes, your cat is going to appreciate other things.

Play is essential to your cat’s life. Play is important for all mammals, even people, regardless of their age. Although older cats won’t be as active as younger cats, they still need a little exercise. Make sure you have fun with the cat whenever you can!

Aired Cat

If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. That hair will truly get everywhere! Do not choose a long-haired cat unless you can commit to the added cleanup. Long haired cats often have hairball problems.

TIP! Use care if you have kids and a cat. A cat should not be left alone with a child under five years of age.

Use a cat collar that gives name, address, and phone number info. Even if your cat lives in the house, he could always get out. If this occurs, you must be sure that your animal can find its way home.

You should not let your de-clawed cat outdoors. It can’t defend itself with no claws. Indoor cats are the only ones that should be de-clawed. Even in the case of indoor cats, you should only declaw the front claws. Don’t take the back claws as cats need them to stay balanced.

The tips contained here are great for any cat. 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. Enjoy your new cat!