All cats carry certain obligations for the responsible pet owner. Grooming a cat is different from grooming other pets. You have to provide extra attention in making sure they are clean and looking good. Read on for useful tips for cat care.

You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. Cats can potentially strangle themselves on these cords so it is important to protect your cat from this potential danger. This could even choke them to death. Hang your drapery cords out of your cats’ sight to avoid this.

TIP! When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care.

Though things may appear to be fine, you should always schedule regular medical checkups for your feline pet. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need. If you find a vet you are comfortable with, use them for the duration of your cat’s life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.

Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups. If the animal requires certain vaccinations, more visits are necessary. If your cat is having a health issue or injury, they need to be seen by their vet right away.

Be sure you show your cat lots of love. Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. They probably would like to feel as though they are a wanted part of the family.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day.

If you are traveling with a cat in tow, be aware of the noises in your car. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears. To keep you cat from feeling nervous, keep the volume at a lower level. A trip is already stressful for a pet.

Litter Box

Make sure that you do not instruct your cat on using the litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. Don’t try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.

TIP! Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away.

Do not punish your cat if they make a mess in the area outside of the litter box. Usually this is a sign that you haven’t cleaned the box recently. If you punish the cat, it may shy away from you at future times.

To avoid having a picky cat, switch up the kinds of foods you give him. If they eat the same food all the time without changing it, that may be the only one they’ll eat later on.

Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. If you throw it away too soon, that cat may look to your furniture for some clawing while it slowly breaks in a new scratching post.

TIP! Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. If your cat is high, he can see everything that is going on.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. There is more water in canned food and more protein and fat too. Older cats find it easier to eat, too. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.

Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. They might hide from each other or hit each other. Your cats will grow used to the presence of the other animal and will eventually get along.

If you notice your cat is not using the litter box, try moving it to a new location. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. Low-traffic areas like basements and laundry rooms are great places to put the litter box.

TIP! You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even indoor cats get out sometimes.

Put a collar around your cat’s neck. Make sure it has your address, phone number and name. Even a cat you plan to keep indoors can sometimes get out or get lost. Should this occur, your cat can be returned to you or someone can contact you with his whereabouts.

It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. Indoor cats typically live longer than those who live outside. Outdoor cats face numerous predators and are at a higher risk of disease.

Don’t give a cat human medications. If they have health issues, see a vet and give them what they provide. Giving the cat medication that wasn’t meant for them can really hurt them or even kill them.

TIP! A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses.

Grooming is the main factor in making your cat look great. In order to ensure a healthy looking cat, you’ll have to give it the grooming that it needs. Your cat will be happier and healthier if you take good care of it. Use the ideas within this article to help you cat stay beautiful but also safe and happy.