There was a famed poet once that enjoyed cats. Cats have been the subject of many poems and plays. Happy, healthy cats can make life complete. Not all cats will be like this. These tips can help you and your cat exist better together.

Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Shelters have great pets available for adoption, and the fee isn’t that high. Adopting from a pet shelter benefits the cat population.

TIP! Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently.

Make sure your cat is always well groomed. They need to be brushed every day. This will help them maintain a clean and healthy coat. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. A well-groomed feline looks great on their own, but also helps keep a home well-groomed too.

Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. Put a breakaway collar on instead. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.

Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. This is true even if you think your cat is indoors only.

Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Your cat can die if you use a dog flea product on it. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.

It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Tags and collars can help you cat return home, but cats can wiggle out of them or risk injury by snagging them on a tree branch or bush. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.

Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Tell them how to be gentle. Show them to pick up kitty gently and the types of activities which are appropriate. Cats have more fragile bones than dogs so it is important to treat them with care.

TIP! If your cat goes outside, it is important to have a collar with a tag. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost.

You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. Cats like to make a mess when they eat. This means food spillage that you will have to clean later. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.

Use care if you have kids and a cat. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. A child of that age doesn’t realize when they are being too rough with a pet. As a kid ages, they can show maturity with handling a little pet.

Cats have a love affair with heights. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. If you don’t wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.

TIP! Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in.

While owning a cat isn’t always easy, the reward is great. Whether you have a cat that has high energy or low, this advice will help you to better your relationship with your kitty. Sounds of contentment are bound to arise more often.