In case you are unfamiliar with the word, feral cats are the population of cats that live wondering along the street. However, caring for a cat can be difficult if you are not well-informed about proper cat care. Dealing with these cats is a problem that costs businesses thousands and loses customers all year long.

It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. The vet will be able to provide your cat with needed vaccinations and any medications it requires. Veterinarians also keep tabs on your cat’s overall health and diagnose any problems they find. Do your best to keep the same vet for your pet’s entire life. This way, the vet will be very familiar with your cat and its history.

TIP! Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post.

Cats will try to get into many different crevices. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.

Do not allow your cat to stay bored all of the time. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. But many cat owners ignore that need. Cats that are bored may develop obsessive compulsive disorders, depression, or other issues that can harm their health. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. If you have an indoor cat, offer him a variety of toys, scratching post or objects he can climb on.

Create a tablecloth for the feline. Some cats prefer removing their food from the bowl and eating it on the side. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.

TIP! Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point.

If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Make sure your children know where in the house the cat is permitted to be. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.

You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. Over time, you will pick up on the reasons why your cat is making this gesture. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

You may find it is helpful to talk to others about challenges you have with your cat. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. Participate in online discussion boards for cat owners, or pick up the telephone and speak with your vet.

TIP! Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high.

Give your cat a good brushing regularly. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. It will also minimize hair loss. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.

Animal Protein

You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying. Ensure that an animal protein source, including fish, chicken, or beef, is the main ingredient. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Your cat is a carnivore, and for proper nutrition, he should have a food high in animal protein in order to keep him at his best.

TIP! Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Guide your kids in handling a feline.

Play is something that all cats need to do. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Have as much fun time with your cat as possible.

Are you having a hard time getting rid of cat hair? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. If your cat sheds a lot, you need to brush it more often. Brushing will also keep their coat in good shape.

One way to get a cat to use the litter box is to move it to a different place in the house. Whenever a cat is using the restroom, it feels vulnerable; therefore, the litter box needs to be kept in a safe and quiet location. Some great examples of such locations are basements, laundry rooms or any other less frequently used room in your home.

TIP! Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat.

Use a cat collar that gives name, address, and phone number info. An indoor cat should also have a tag with this information because he or she can sometimes escape. They have to be able to get home again.

Panting is a bad symptom. Dogs normally do pant. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.

After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of your cat’s needs. If left unchecked, stray cats can do a lot of damage. Cats need to be loved and treated with care. Do your best to be a considerate and responsible cat owner.