Cats are amazing creatures, and they can be wonderful pets. As the owner of a cat, it is important that you learn how to properly care for them, so they can be healthy and live longer. Read on to find out more.

Keep your cat groomed. They need to be brushed every day. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. It helps your cats shed much less too, which keeps them from spitting those hairballs up. Your cat should be kept groomed so that they look great and you’ll also make your home look good.

TIP! Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Do not use dog products on your cat. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. These products can be fatal for your cat. Keep your cat away from your puppy after treating it with some flea products.

You may get much better prices on medications online. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. However, if your pet gets regular prescriptions for a chronic or ongoing issue, you can often save up to 50 percent by shopping online.

Try figuring out why the cat is purring. After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns. It may be a sign your cat needs food, or needs to be let outdoors. Listen to what’s she’s trying to tell you, and you’ll begin to understand her cues.

Cat Owners

Talk to others when you have a problem with your cat. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners. Participate in online discussion boards for cat owners, or pick up the telephone and speak with your vet.

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This comes quite naturally to them and is not something that is learned. While some folks think you should pick up your cat and place their paws against the litter, this can actually be traumatic.

TIP! Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots.

Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.

Never use chemicals that have phenol in it near your cat. This is a chemical that is normally found in Lysol, Pine-Sol and other household cleaners. The smell offends them and being exposed to it for several hours can cause liver problems.

If your cat’s been declawed, you should never let them outside. It can’t defend itself with no claws. The only place for a declawed cat is inside, with you. The front claws should be the only ones removed. A cat’s back claws are important to his balance.

TIP! A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. 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 your pet a tag and collar, and be sure it always wears it. Cats aren’t stupid animals – they may try to leave the house when they find an opportunity. When they have a collar on with a tag, or a microchip, they’ll easily be returned to you.

Some people who own cats think bathing the cat is a smart move. However, bathing your cat isn’t usually necessary. Cats are constantly grooming themselves with their tongues. The tongue is actually barbed to help loosen and remove dirt. Cats love to look good just like anyone else!

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it may not be a good idea to give the gift of a new kitten or cat. It is a better idea to allow your child to help pick out your new pet.

TIP! Get a microchip for your cat. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door.

Spay or neuter your pet to become a great pet owner. Cats are extremely curious. Even indoor cats can attempt to get out. Whenever your cat is successful in getting itself outside, there is a possibility that it will come back pregnant, or if it’s a male, impregnating another cat. Thousands of cats and kittens are euthanized every year due to overpopulation.

It is not acceptable to let your cat attack people’s feet. This sort of behavior is commonly viewed as adorable and typical, but in actuality, it’s your cat acting out. If you establish good habits when your cat is young, they will be a normal part of their behavior as they grow older.

You should never physically reprimand a kitten. Not only is this a form of abuse, this will also make your car fear you. That is why many obedience training usually involves a spray bottle.

Ingredient List

Read the ingredient list on cat food. Carefully go over the ingredient list and pass on anything containing chemical preservatives or unnamed meat products, as well as anything using corn for a filler. These ingredients aren’t necessarily harmful, but they don’t have any nutritional value. The best cat foods have protein at the top of the ingredient list.

Cats often trigger allergies, even in people who previously thought they didn’t have any. Select a cat that isn’t going to bring the sneeze storm into your house. Getting a male cat that’s black and not neutered would be a bad decision. A female with a light-colored coat or a Siberian would be a better selection.

TIP! Your cat needs lots of affection and love. They want the same level of companionship that they give to you as their owner.

As you are no doubt aware, cats can be wonderful pets. Take the time to learn the best way to take care of a cat so that you can fulfill your obligation as its owner. You should read over this information a few times in order to care for your cat properly. Kitty will be thankful!