Cats usually make their owners very happy. It is naturally a lot of work as well. Responsibilities come with the happiness a cat brings to you. Luckily, the article below will illustrate exactly what those responsibilities are. Keep reading to discover some great tips on caring for your feline companions.

Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. Cats should visit the vet right away if they are having any issues.

Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If you have a cat that is wreaking havoc, buy a scratching post. Place this device into an area that your cat frequents, and attempt to get your cat to scratch it rather than the furniture. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.

Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. The chip will never be lost because it is under the skin and it can easily be read by any shelter or vet.

If your cat is traveling with you, remember their ears. You may prefer loud music as you drive down the freeway, blasting your stereo, but your feline friend likes softer sounds better. Reduce the volume of the music and keep the windows up; let your cat rest!

Understand that cats enjoy being elevated. Providing a safe environment for your cat is key to its happiness. If a big cat tree is not something that can easily fit in your home, get a sturdy shelf that can be used as a perch. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.

Litter Box

You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. A lot of people think that rubbing a cat’s paws in its litter box may help them, but in reality, it can be damaging to them.

If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

Acclimate your cat to its carrier. Dogs and cats will respond differently to punishment. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Put a favorite blanket and toy in the carrier and leave it open somewhere the cat frequents. Over time, the cat will feel comfortable and go inside the carrier. Let it happen naturally or with only mild coaxing. Do not get angry. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.

Feed your cat top quality food. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. The foods to avoid are those with a large amount of corn and low amounts of protein. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.

Cats need to play! Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. Even older cats love a little play, just not as rough. Play with your cat and give them the fun time it needs.

Try relocating your cat’s litter box if it’s refusing to use it. A cat’s instinct tells him that eliminating puts him in a vulnerable state, so try putting his litter box in a safe, quiet area of the house. Try placing it in a laundry room or a basement, where there is limited traffic in the home.

There are some thing that you eat that may not be good for your cat. These can include chocolate, grapes, onions and tomatoes. These foods are healthy for humans, but they can make cats very sick. Milk is something that can hurt your cat’s stomach, so beware of that too.

To the greatest extent possible, you’ll want to keep your cat close to you and your house. Indoor cats typically live longer than those who live outside. Daily exercise with you doesn’t need to create risks for other cat attacks or diseases from the wild.

If hairballs are a problem that brushing won’t solve, there are some other things you can try. One mixed teaspoon of pumpkin mixed into your cat’s food should help. A teaspoon of tuna water mixed with pumpkin can also work. Some cat foods also contain a component for anti-hairballs, generally extra fiber, which may resolve the problem.

Make dry food the foundation of your cat’s diet. Kittens need wet food more than adult cats because it’s easier to chew. Feeding your cat some dry food will help it grow strong teeth. If your cat happens to be a picky eater, mix up the dry food with wet food.

Use sticky tape to protect your furniture. If they scratch the upholstery up, place some tape on it to keep them from doing it. Certain pet stores sell this kind of tape. Taping your furniture can save you money and teach your cat not to scratch the material.

In conclusion, there are many benefits from being a cat owner. However, if you want your cat to live a long and happy life, you have to take proper care of it. Use these tips to make your cat’s life complete.