Cats are awesome! Your cat deserves a happy and healthy life and it is up to you to provide it. Keep reading to learn more about cat care.

Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Try to keep the same vet during the life of your pet. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.

TIP! Don’t leave drape cords near your cats. The cats will start playing with the cords and they can easily wrap around their necks.

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.

Cat Needs

Keep your cat amused. Every cat needs exercise time and play! A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. A bored cat may fall victim to depression, compulsive disorders or issued that can be harmful to their health. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.

TIP! Check your local animal shelter if you have plans to get a cat. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care.

Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. Special food can help. Some foods are enriched in fibers and vitamins to facilitate the digestion of the hairballs.

Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Look over the label. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.

Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. You and your cat probably have different ideas about the ideal volume for the car stereo, for instance: Remember that your cat’s hearing is more sensitive than yours. Turn down the music and let the cat rest.

TIP! Most cats are very nocturnal. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark.

Feeding your cat the proper canned food is ideal. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. Canned food provides more water content for your cat as well as more fat and protein. It’s easier for older cats to chew as well. Speak with a vet, but know that wet food is normally much better for your pet.

If your cat begins defecating or urinating too frequently, it’s time to see the vet. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.

Understand that all cats need exercise and play time. Just like playtime is important for other types of pets, the same holds true for your cat, despite whatever their age happens to be. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Playing with your cat will help you to form happy and cherished memories to look back on.

TIP! Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” However, if it has a lot of hair, hairballs can occur.

Dogs will show a lot of enthusiasm through their tail when their owner comes back home. When a cat wags its tail, it’s for a completely different reason. Tail wagging in a cat usually indicates a mental conflict that your cat is mulling over, such as deciding whether to flee or attack. If this happens while your cat is in your arms, put him down as soon as possible.

Your diet isn’t necessarily the best thing for your cat; some foods just aren’t good for them. A few unhealthy food items for cats are green tomatoes, grapes, garlic and onions. If your cat eats these foods, he may become sick or even die. Milk is also not especially good for your cat’s stomach.

Cats share a lot of diseases with humans. Since cats are like family, it’s easy to tell when they’re sick. Bring him or her to the veterinarian if this is the case. This will save you from bigger problems down the road.

If you worry about the cat you have getting fleas, rabies, or any kind of fungus then the cat shouldn’t go outside. Indoor cats almost never get these ailments.

Make sure you know of any holes in your home that your cat might get into. It’s amazing how small a hole has to be before a cat can’t fit. Kittens especially can fit into small spaces. You will want to especially be wary of these when introducing a new cat to your home. Seal up all holes no matter how small they might seem.

Your cat needs a quality collar and a tag. Cats aren’t stupid animals – they may try to leave the house when they find an opportunity. If your cat ever wanders off, a collar with an i.d. tag makes it more likely that someone will bring him home.

TIP! Reduce the chances of raising a finicky cat by feeding them several brands of food while they are young. This will ensure that your cat gets a taste of many different foods.

Many cat owners give their cats a bath for grooming purposes. However, many owners don’t realize that this is often not necessary. Cats spend a majority of their time cleaning themselves. Cats are very particular about their appearance!

Introducing new animals into the household can irritate cats initially. Initially, it’s a good idea to put the new animal in a separate room. Allow your cat time to get used to the new smell. Gradually introduce the new member of your family to your cat.

Be aware that the holidays, with all the excitement and bustle, may not be the right time to present your child with the gift of a cat. It is a better idea to allow your child to help pick out your new pet.

TIP! Don’t get rid of an old scratching post. Cats prefer used scratching posts.

Cats are amazing pets. You must stay educated about cat care if you want your cat to remain healthy. You should read over this information a few times in order to care for your cat properly. Your pet cat will love you!