The Basics Of Taking Care Of A Cat

TIP! Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services.

Cats are magical critters. They are intelligent and independent, while being loving. You do have to take great care of your pet, though. Keep reading to find out how to learn more about taking good care of your cat.

TIP! Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Cats require frequent brushing or combing.

Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. Cats need to be seen by a vet right away if there are injuries or health problems that don’t go away.

TIP! If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant.

Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. Have your phone number engraved on the tag.

TIP! Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products.

A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Cats can get out of a collar or, worse, have that collar choke them to death. Microchips are tiny and contain all your contact information. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.

TIP! Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords.

Avoid letting your cat get bored. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. You need to provide your cats with something they can climb and scratch.

TIP! Adore your cat! Cats give us a lot of love, and they deserve to be loved back. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special.

Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Check the label. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.

Cats are truly the center of the household. Take the time to absorb the insights you have learned here. Then put your new knowledge to use.