Humans have had cats as companions for eons. They’ve been written about, sung about, and have even starred in movies. A cat is a very intriguing animal but you will be able to form a strong bond with this pet. Read on to get some input on how to establish yourself as the one in command of your household. You may even pick up a few other essential tips as well.

You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. It will reduce shedding, which means that they won’t be experiencing a ton of hairballs. If you groom your cat with care, both your pet and your home will look their best.

TIP! Properly groom your cat. Remember to brush your cat’s fur and comb it regularly.

It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. Do your best to keep the same vet for your pet’s entire life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.

Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.

If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. The tag should contain at least the cat’s name and your contact information.

TIP! Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems.

You can also consider outfitting your cat with a chip so you can monitor its whereabouts. Even indoor cats can decide to run away at a moment’s notice, escaping through an open window. Collars or tags can identify your cat, but cats can wiggle out of those, and they are also at risk of getting hung up on something. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. You and your cat will greatly appreciate this.

Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online. It is possible to save up to 50% on certain medications by purchasing them online.

TIP! If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever.

Though cats make great pets for kids, younger kids may be too rough with them. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. You should show them everything from how to properly carry the cat to the best ways to play with it. Cats’ bones are more fragile than those of dogs, so they need gentler treatment.

Cats generally will meow for a reason. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. She will let you know when her demands are for food or when you need to let her out. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. Participate in online discussion boards for cat owners, or pick up the telephone and speak with your vet.

TIP! Most cats prefer to be mostly nocturnal. This means their behavior is quite active during the night.

If you’re like many cat owners, your pet is the center of your universe, or at least your home. However, it is possible to get a cat to realize that it is actually you who is in charge. Cats are loved by people because they are great pets, and these suggestions should help you make the most of yours.