“Feral” is a term for cats that have no home and wander the streets. If you are going to be a cat owner, you must learn how to take care of your cat. Continue reading to learn all you can about having a pet cat.

Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.

Litter Box

The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. Your kitty will thank you.

Try to figure out why your cat meows. Learning about your cat’s meows will be easier the longer you know her. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

TIP! Cats enjoy getting into spaces that are small. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous.

Don’t let your cat outside. It can be unsafe. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. Cage in an area for a cat in your backyard if they must go outside.

You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. There are many online cat forums that you can visit and ask some questions. If necessary, you may need to call your veterinarian.

Help your cat get accustomed to the carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Encouragement is a better way to get your cats to perform. Place a blanket or favorite toy inside the carrier to make your cat more acclimated to the carrier. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. A cat who is used to a carrier will not mind traveling, meaning it will be a much less stressful experience for them.

TIP! Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window.

Rotate the variety of food you feed your cat. If you start them off eating the same type of food all of the time and you never change it up, this will most likely be the only food they will eat in the future.

Feed canned food to your cat. It sometimes has more benefits over dry. Your cat will get extra protein and fats from canned food along with some of the water it needs every day. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.

Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. Even indoor cats should have identification on them. Cats are naturally curious and a door or window that’s open invites exploration. Tags with your veterinarian’s info and your contact number should be worn. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.

TIP! Most cats prefer to be mostly nocturnal. This means that they will usually be quite active at night.

After reading this article, you should have a working knowledge on how to care for your cat. Cats often attack other pets and tear up your gardens if you don’t watch out. Cats need to be loved and treated with care. You might even surprise yourself and decide to take a member of the feral litter home with you!