Cats are fascinating animals and they make terrific pets. You are responsible for learning and using what you have learned to provide the best life for your cat. Read here about some ways to achieve your goals as a good cat owner.

Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!

Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. If there are more pressing health problems, take your cat to the vet right away.

A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. You never know when your cat could get away from you. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. 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. Nearly all veterinarians and shelters now have scanners capable of reading the information on these chips, and since they are under the skin, there is no chance of the chip getting lost.

Cats are usually more active during the night. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. If your cat’s activities are keeping you awake at night, try keeping your bedroom door shut. This will keep the cats away while you’re trying to sleep because they won’t be jumping all over you.

Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some cat food brands have formulations to prevent or reduce hairballs, which will make life easier for your cat and you.

Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Make sure your cat’s food is not high in magnesium. Read the ingredient list on the label. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.

Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cats’ bones are more fragile than those of dogs, so they need gentler treatment.

You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. It’s also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn’t escape. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.

If your cat constantly meows, you need to try to figure out why. You need to learn what their meows mean. Maybe she wants to go out, or maybe she wants to eat. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

Brush your cat at regular times. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. Also, it helps manage loose hair. This helps prevent hairballs, which can lead to choking and other health issues.

Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. It has water content, which is good for cats with bladder issues. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. You should listen to what your vet recommends, though.

If you are thinking about adding another cat to your home, you need to set aside a couple of weeks where you let the animals get used to being around each other. The cats might hiss, swat and hide from each other at first. Eventually, they will come to tolerate and actually enjoy being together.

Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. Sometimes, abnormal urination habits indicate an infection of the urinary tract. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.

Litter Box

If you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, you’ll want to contact your vet. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. If your cat is not using the litter, kidney or bladder problems and infections may be the problem. Be sure to go see your vet if your cat stops using its box.

Cats are excellent pets but being a cat owner comes with certain responsibilities. You should always keep educating yourself about the different things you can do to care for your cat. Keep this information handy, so that you can refer back to it from time to time. Your cat will shower you with thanks!