Although independent, cats still require plenty of care from their owners. Do not expect grooming a cat to be like grooming a dog. You must provide extra attention and take care to avoid certain things in order to groom them properly. The following information will help you learn more about all aspects of cat care.

Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.

TIP! Keep your cat properly groomed. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy.

If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. The tag should contain your name and number for contact purposes.

Cat medications can be bought affordable online. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.

Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Teach them what are appropriate activities and how to gently touch it. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.

TIP! If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat.

Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.

Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet. They are just not mature enough to understand the danger they can pose for the kitten. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.

If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. You can often get great advice from friends and family. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.

Litter Box

If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. If your cat makes a mess, it’s probably because their litter box is not properly cared for. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Dogs and cats will respond differently to punishment. Instead, cats are more likely to respond to words of encouragement. Put a nice blanket inside the carrier then leave it where the cat is most often. After some time, your cat will respond better to the carrier. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.

TIP! If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found.

Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. This is the condition that cats like the most. Tossing it and getting a new one may cause your cat to find something old to scratch like your furniture.

Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.

Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. Include your contact number along with the name of your veterinarian. This is especially true for cats with medical conditions.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door.

The best way to make sure that you have a healthy cat is to keep up to date with vaccinations and trips to the vet. Your cat needs to get some shots regularly to prevent different illnesses and parasites. Your kitty is a member of your family, so you need to treat him like one.

Once your cat has had the best grooming possible, it can look good. As a cat owner, it’s your job to ensure your pet looks and feels healthy. The cat will definitely appreciate the extra grooming. You should apply the tips you just read to keep your cat happy and healthy.