Cats are fabulous animals. They are smart, independent and loving. Therefore, it is difficult sometimes to take care of your cat. Read this article to educate yourself on several helpful cat care tips, and apply what you learn to ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy.

It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease. Your vet can also check the overall health of your cat. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. Your veterinarian needs to know about your pet’s history, and your cat will feel more comfortable if you always take her to the same vet.

TIP! Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. Cats love to play with hanging cords and this poses the threat of your cat hurting themselves or becoming entangled.

Spay your cat as soon as she is old enough. 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. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.

Never let a cat become bored. Cats need to play and get regular exercise. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Give them room to play and a large number of toys. If your cats are kept inside, set up a carpet lined scratching pad or post. There are many climbing structures that can be purchased or made for cats who enjoy heights.

Give your cat plenty of love and affection. They are very loving animals and deserve affection back. Cats are social animals and will thrive when they are included in daily activities and life. They also like feeling important and a big member of the family.

TIP! Keep your cat groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat.

Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. To stop this from happening, make sure your cat’s food doesn’t have much magnesium in it. The best way to find out is to read the label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.

If you’re taking kitty on a road trip, don’t play loud music. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears. Therefore, try to turn down your music or keep if off altogether so your cat has a better trip.

Watch kittens around kids. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. They simply lack the maturity to comprehend the harm they can potentially do to kittens. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.

TIP! You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Not only will a veterinarian give a general physical exam, he or she will also make sure they have necessary vaccinations.

Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. You cannot train a cat the same way you train a dog because they react differently to punishment. They like responding to encouragement better. Therefore, place your cat’s favorite toy into its career. Leave the carrier open in a location that your cat frequently visits. Over time the cat will not be stressed about the carrier and will enter it voluntarily. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.

Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. If you throw it away and replace it too quickly with a new one, they may shun the new one and go after your carpet and furniture.

Moist, canned food can be a very good option for your cat. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. Your cat will get more water and more vitamins and protein. Aging cats will find it easier to chew. Speak with the vet, but food in cans tends to be better.

TIP! A heated tile can be positioned beneath the bed of a mature cat. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal.

Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunities to play. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. Even a mature cat that isn’t as spry anymore it still loves to play around. Have as much fun time with your cat as possible.

A cat can be a wonderful addition to the family, as long as you make the effort to learn about taking care of them properly. Study these tips carefully. Use the information to make sure your favorite kitty lives a healthy and fulfilled life.