Cats are some amazing little creatures. Cats are smart and curious, but also cute and cuddly. This combination makes them excellent domestic animals. But, it’s not so simple to take proper care of a cat. Read on for a ton of helpful tips on caring for your cat, and use what you will learn to provide the best home for your feline friend.

If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable. When you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population under control.

Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Brushing is a very important component towards taking care of your cat. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. Having a clean fur coat helps reduce the amount of hairballs that get spit up around the house. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.

You should always bring your cat to a vet to make sure everything is okay. 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. 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.

Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. It is much better if your cat uses his claws on that, rather than your furniture. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.

Cat Medicine

Look online for cat medicine. Sometimes, you may need the medicine immediately though. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.

If you’re thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. Your cat may pick up some fleas, or worse. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If they have to go outside, make sure it’s a small area like your lawn or backyard.

Cats feel safest in an elevated location. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. You do not need a big cat tree in the living room; simply provide a solid shelf next to a window. Providing a blanket or bed for your cat is an extra treat for them.

If your cat has a scratching post that is beginning to look worn, don’t get rid of it. While it doesn’t appear clean and new, your cat probably thinks otherwise. For a cat, it is comfortable and familiar. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.

Purchase high quality food for your cat. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. Corn and other such protein-free fillers are things you want to stay well away from. The main part of a cat’s diet should be meat protein, so his cat food should be mostly real meat.

Your cat should always wear a collar and ID tag. This is even true for indoor cats. Your cat will go out as soon as you leave a door or a window open. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.

Stay current on your cat’s exams and vaccinations. Similar to kids, cats need shots and check-ups to prevent health problems. A cat is a member of the family, and therefore, is entitled to the same treatment as other loved ones.

Let your cat give birth in a large space. Since there are so many kittens, the birthing process can take a few hours. If it has been more than six hours and you believe more kittens are still inside your cat, you need to get her to the vet right away.

Cat Wags

One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats wag their tail for a different reason. When a cat wags its tail, it is usually due to conflict and a potential decision of fight or flee. Along the same line, if your cat wags its tail while you are holding it, you should put it down to avoid getting scratched.

Some foods that you enjoy as a human aren’t any good for your cat. Examples include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. If your cat eats these foods, he may become sick or even die. Too much milk can also be a bad thing for a grown cat.

Cats are very unique animals, and as long as you educate yourself on their behaviors, they can make incredible pets. Study the tips in this article very carefully. Put the tips into practice today, then watch your feline companions thrive and grow in a healthy way.