A 21st Century Guide To Cat Care

TIP! Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care.

If you want a great pet, a cat fits that bill. People who never have had a cat would probably get some use out of the article below. Here you are going to find some ideas on how to properly care for a cat so he or she can live a happy life.

TIP! When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out.

Groom your cat. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If you do this frequently you’ll be able to help the cat have clean fur. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. A well-groomed feline looks great on their own, but also helps keep a home well-groomed too.

TIP! Your cat needs lots of affection and love. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us.

Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Your cat should receive shots regularly to prevent health issues. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. This helps make sure your vet knows your cat’s history.

TIP! When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in.

Take your cat to the vet every year. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots. If you notice that your cat appears to be experiencing some sort of illness or injury, do not delay a trip to the vet.

TIP! Vary your cat’s diet just a tiny bit to keep them from being picky. If they only eat the same food, they may never eat another food in the future.

Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost. You have to be sure you have your pet’s name and number written on the tag.

Haired Cats

TIP! Check your cat if they suddenly stop using their litter-box. Many feline health conditions can cause a cat to urinate and defecate in random places outside of their litter box.

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Only choose a cat with long hair if you can clean up after it consistently. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.

TIP! It is important to designate a big and comfortable area for your cat to deliver her kittens. The birth of the kittens will take approximately four hours, so use a little patience.

Does your home feel inundated with balls of cat fur? You have to brush your cat to avoid their shedding. If your cat sheds a lot, you need to brush it more often. This will prevent your cat’s coat from getting matted or tangled.

Litter Box

TIP! Dogs will wag their tails often to show their owners that they’re excited to see them. Cats move their tails too, but it’s not for the same reason.

If kitty stops using its litter box, pay attention. Your cat might have a hard time using the litter box because of a health condition. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. Call your veterinarian right away if your cat doesn’t use the litter box.

TIP! There are some thing that you eat that may not be good for your cat. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes.

When your cat is due to deliver babies, ensure that she has a comfortable area with some space. Delivery can take between three and four hours. If it drags on for six to eight hours, call your vet immediately to talk to them about it.

TIP! Are hairballs posing a serious problem for your cat, and additional brushing does not help to reduce them? Adding in just 1 teaspoon of pumpkin mixed in with their food bowl can help with prevention. A teaspoon or so of water from a can of tuna can also be mixed in with the pumpkin.

It is best to keep cats indoors, near you and treated as part of your household. It has been proven that indoor cats have a much longer life span than cats that live outdoors. You should go outside with your cat every day to play and exercise.

TIP! Make sure that your cat is eating dry food when possible. Kittens need wet food, though.

Don’t ever declaw cats that go outdoors. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Only declaw your cat if you are serious about keeping them indoors. However, you should still only remove the cat’s front claws. Leave the back claws, as these do not scratch your floors or furniture.

TIP! Place some sticky tape on your furniture. Cats naturally like to claw things and often your furniture is what they use.

A cat can get lonely when your daily routine changes and you are no longer home during the day. You can purchase another cat to keep it company when you are away.

TIP! Do not allow your cat to eat from your hand or under the table. Your cat may want human food, but most of it is not healthy for any cat.

Choosing a cat as your pet is wonderful. They can really be comforting. Still, it is important to learn as much as possible about cat care so that both of you are happy. Use the above tips for you both to live together for many years.