Cat are definitely amazing as pets, but they are also amazingly finiky! With so many needs ranging from vet visit to nail clipping, they require you to know a lot of things. This article can teach you all about basic cat needs.

Look a local animal shelters for cats. There are tons of loving cats there, and the fees often cover the needed vet care. When a cat is adopted from an animal shelter it saves its life and it helps control the cat population.

Cats are curious by nature, which can end up getting them into trouble. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.

A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to. This approach takes time, but it usually works.

Never let your cat experience frequent boredom. They need exercise and they get it through play. But many cat owners ignore that need. Bored cats can really be a problem. They can have health issues, OCD, and even depression. Spend time playing with them, and go through a variety of toys to find ones they like and will play with while you’re busy, too. You need to provide your cats with something they can climb and scratch.

Give your cat plenty of love and affection. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Like humans, cats want to feel wanted and needed. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.

If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds. To keep you cat from feeling nervous, keep the volume at a lower level. A trip is already stressful for a pet.

Make sure that you have a good tablecloth for your kitten. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.

If your cat is excessively meowing, try to figure out why. After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. Possibilities include that she is hungry or wants to be let outside. When you pay attention to the cat’s actions and cues, then may grow to understand the cat all the more.

Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. Being outside all the time is not safe for a cat. You cat can get fleas and contract diseases. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If letting your cat outdoors is important to you, let them out in a safe fenced area.

Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.

Talk to others when you have a problem with your cat. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.

Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.

If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.

You cat needs to get used to being in a carrier. You cannot punish a cat the same way you would a dog. Cats usually respond well to encouragement. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Soon that cat will walk into the carrier on its own. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.

Canned food is an excellent choice for cats. Yes, dry food is cheaper, but canned food really has a lot more benefits. That’s because this type of food provides your cat with more protein, good fat and water. It is easier for older cats to chew. Ask your vet for more info, bun in general, canned food is much better for a number of reasons.

When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. But, eventually, they will get used to the idea, and begin to tolerate, and even enjoy, each other’s company.

There are cats out there that are relatively self-sufficient, and owning one can really be a breeze. Other cats demand more from an owner, though, so you need to be ready to provide the assistance they require. The tips on this article will make the job of cat care easier. The best benefit is a mutually satisfactory experience for you and the cat.