If you had the chance to save an animal’s life, would you do it? Many cats are available for those who can offer a loving home. When you plan to adopt one, read this article to learn how to care for it.

If you want to add a cat to your family, go to the shelter first to see what is available. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. When a cat is adopted from an animal shelter it saves its life and it helps control the cat population.

TIP! Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay.

Groom your cat. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. This leads to a cleaner cat. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. A well-groomed feline looks great on their own, but also helps keep a home well-groomed too.

When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.

A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. This can help if your cat becomes lost while wandering in the great outdoors. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.

Scratching Post

Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. You should scold your cat when it scratches your furniture and direct its attention to the scratching post or tower. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.

You have to place a litter box correctly. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. The area should also be well ventilated so that it doesn’t smell too badly. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.

TIP! If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands.

Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls. There are foods which help combat this problem. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.

Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side. If this occurs, you will have a mess on your hands. It’s easier to clean up this food by purchasing a placement and inserting it under your cat’s food bowl, or you could simply cut some fabric and make it into a tablecloth so you can easily pick up the food and throw it away.

Cats love to be high up. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. If you don’t wish to have a big cat tree inside your house, try a sturdy shelf made of breakables. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.

TIP! Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people.

Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. Understand that cats don’t react to punishment as well as dogs. Encouragement is a much better strategy. Inside the carrier, put a favorite toy and blanket. Leave it open in an area the cat will see. Eventually, the cat will go into the carrier naturally and feel comfortable. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.

High quality cat food is important to your cat. Pay attention to the ingredient list on any food you feed them. Protein needs to be one of the very first items on the list, while fillers like corn and other grains should be avoided. Avoid foods like corn or other items without protein. Because cats are carnivores, their diet need only consist of a good source of protein.

Aired Cat

TIP! Do not allow your cat to get an electrical shock. Spray them with bitter apple, and they will stay away.

You should think carefully before getting a long-haired cat. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. They can also have more health issues due to hairballs.

You should be proud to take care of your kitty. Through opening your home and heart, you help an animal that needs you. The bond you have with your cat will last a lifetime. Properly caring for your cat will ensure that this loving bond remains intact.

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