Cats are one of the most popular and best loved pets in the world. You can get some helpful tips by reading the following article. If you have never owned a cat before, read these tips for important information.
Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!
It's crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Cats need to get shots so they don't get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. For the most consistent pet care, choose one veterinarian and stick with them. This is because this person will know your cat and the history of the animal.
If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Even if she spends her time indoors, it is possible for her to escape while in heat, causing an unwanted pregnancy. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.
You should take your cat to the vet on a regular basis to maintain optimum health. They should have regular check ups annually, and more appointments should be made if they need to get important shots. Make vet appointments immediately if your cat has a medical condition or has become injured.
If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal. Make sure at a minimum to put your pets name and your phone number on the tag.
Your furnishings and belongings can easily be ruined by a cat's claws. If you want to prevent or stop your cat from scratching up your furniture, the best thing to do is buy a scratching post or kitty tower for them to climb in. They can scratch the post instead. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.
It may prove quite a challenge to make your cat stay off counter tops. Cats have a natural predilection for staking out a nice elevated place where they have a good view of their surroundings. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. If you place a cat tower around the kitchen area, they may be less likely to lay on your counters.
Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. Certain cat foods are formulated to lower the amount of hairballs.
If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. Going outdoors isn't very safe for a domesticated cat. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If your cat really wants to go outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.
Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? A dog will take any opportunity they have to eat your cats food. For this reason, you need to place your cat's bowl in an area that is to high for a dog to reach. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.
Litter Box
Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its litter box. This comes naturally - you can't teach it. Don't try to force them into the litter box by rubbing their paws or face in it.
You should brush your cat on a regular basis. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin's blood flow. It will also remove loose hair. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.
If you notice that your cat urinates very frequently, you should take it to the vet. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. Often this problem is quickly and inexpensively cured with a common antibiotic.
Keeping vaccinations up-to-date is the way to make sure your cat lives longer and more healthy. Stick to regular check-ups. Just like children, a kitten needs to have immunizations and wellness checks periodically to avoid disease and other health problems later in life. Remember that the four-pawed members of your family need healthcare just as much as the ones that walk on two feet.
Owning a cat is quite rewarding. They can be comforting and relieve a lot of stress. In order to make your cat's life (and your time as a cat owner) happy and healthy, you have to be prepared to be a responsible owner. Use the advice in this article in order to ensure that your cat lives a long and healthy life.