Why wouldn’t you save the life of an animal if you could? Countless numbers of felines are just waiting for a place to call home. The only thing you need to do is bring one home and take good care of it, something the tips below will help you do.

When looking for a new cat for your home, contact a local animal shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.

TIP! Keep your cat groomed. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently.

If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. Sometimes, you may need the medicine immediately though. For more routine situations, saving 50% by buying online is quite possible.

When your cat is riding with you in your car, ensure you keep their ears in mind. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.

Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. This can compromise your cat’s safety. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you think your pet needs to go outside, think about enclosing a back patio with metal mesh or some type of heavy screen to keep your cat inside, yet allow them to experience the outdoors.

TIP! You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots.

Speak to others about your cat problems. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.

Drinking Fountain

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats like running water for drink more than water that is just sitting there. Streaming water is your best bet. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. Also, a cat drinking fountain is better for the environment and allows them to be more natural.

TIP! Avoid using dog products on cats. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs.

Understand that all cats need exercise and play time. No matter what age, play is common among cats and other animals. Your old cat will not play as much but will still appreciate the excitement. Make sure you and your cat are thoroughly enjoying each other.

Is cat hair getting into everything you own? Cats can shed quite a bit; therefore, it’s important that you maintain proper grooming habits by brushing them often. If your cat sheds a lot, you probably need to brush it more often. Doing this will also make sure they don’t get a matted or tangled coat.

Take your cat for checkups and vaccinations on a regular basis to keep him healthy and strong. As with children, cats have to be immunized. Wellness checks are important to avoid diseases and health issues. Your cat is a family member, so treat them like anyone else you love in your home.

TIP! If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost.

Give your cat a collar with your contact information. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, there is that small chance he or she might get out one day. It that is the case, you should make certain they have the ability to get back home.

Your food isn’t necessarily good for your cat. Onions, garlic, grapes and green tomatoes are among these foods. Even a little taste of these foods can make your cat seriously sick. Milk can too. It can give your cat stomach pains.

Never have a declawed cat to spend time outdoors. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. It is important to note that if you are declawing a cat, only the front claws on the cat should be removed. The back claws should remain as they will not scratch furniture or floors.

TIP! Do you have both a dog and a cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. This is why it’s important that the cat’s feeding area is in a spot that’s too high for a dog to get to.

Caring for a kitty is something that is enjoyable and rewarding. The love you give to a cat fulfills one of its basic needs. Your cat and you will having a lifelong bond. Take great care of your cat and it will be rewarding.