TIP! When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee.

Most cats require plenty of care from an attentive, responsible owner. The grooming methods you use on dogs or other animals won’t necessarily work for your cat. You have to do extra in order to make sure they’re clean and look their best. Consider this article when it is time to groom your feline friend.

TIP! Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. Most vets recommend yearly check-ups.

Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. You should comb and/or brush them on a regular basis. This leads to a cleaner cat. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. Keeping a cat well groomed basically helps keep them looking their best, along with your home.

TIP! Deter your cat from chewing on inappropriate things by using bitter apple. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can.

Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.

TIP! Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark.

A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. Use a terra cotta tile to help relieve your cat’s aches and pains; put it in the oven on low heat – 200 degrees or so – for 15 minutes. Put it inside a cloth and place underneath your feline’s blanket or bed. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.

TIP! Be especially mindful of your cat’s ears when you take them on a trip. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears.

Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. This makes it a good idea to have a cat feeding place high up enough that your dog can’t get to it. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.

TIP! Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat.

You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This will be something that the cat does on its own and it usually is not learned fro another. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s actually incorrect to rub a cat’s paw in the litter.

TIP! A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. A lot of time cats will take their food from their bowls to eat it on the food bowl’s side.

Feed your cat high-quality cat food. Check out the ingredients, and make sure it includes protein, such as meat, as the first item in the list. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein to stay healthy.

TIP! If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. Your cat might not be safe outside.

If you just own one cat but are considering obtaining another one, then you should ensure you allow a few weeks for your old cat and new one to become familiar with each other. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. Cats usually learn to enjoy having a companion or at least put up with another one in their home.

Litter Box

TIP! Take time to train your cat to go into a car carrier. Punishment affects cats differently from dogs.

Think about where you want to put the litter box. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. However, your cat’s litter box needs to stay in an easily accessible place so that he can find it. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. For example, a rug or mat is a good way to make a litter box placed on a concrete floor more attractive to your cat.

TIP! If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts.

When your cat is properly cared for, it looks, feels, and behaves wonderfully. You control how healthy your cat looks and feels. Your cat will love you for grooming them, and it’s a good time for bonding together. Apply the advice in this piece, and make sure your cat is groomed regularly.

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