Smith 
Is a cat a part of your family? If you are a cat owner, than you know just how special cats are. You will need to care for your cat often as they require your attention and love. The good thing is that it is very likely that you can meet these needs. This article describes how you can become a great owner.
Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. Adopting a cat this way helps to save their life and cut down on unwanted animal births.
It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.
Scratching Post
A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.
Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. Your cat will not bother you in the middle of the night if this area is off limit.
Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Don’t put it in a busy area, and keep it away from your cat’s food. Also make sure the area is well ventilated to keep the smell to a minimum. Your cat and you will appreciate it.
If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Look over the label. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.
Don’t let your cat go outside. This isn’t safe for your cat. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If you’ve just got to have the cat outdoors, limit it to an enclosed area.
Understand that cats enjoy being elevated. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.
Talk to others when you have a problem with your cat. You may wish to deal with it alone, but you may need advice from other cat owners. You can find online cat forums to ask questions, or you can speak with your vet.
Your cat should be acclimated to a carrier as a kitten. While punishment is a good strategy to train dogs, it is not adapted to cats. They respond better to encouragement. Give your cat a treat every time it does something well. The cat will eventually get into it and feel comfy. Once the cat is in the carrier, they will be so much easier to transport.
Scratching Posts
Keep old, worn scratching posts. Cats prefer used scratching posts. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.
Give your cat canned food. Dry food is less expensive, but there are added benefits to be had in canned cat food. Canned food generally provides more nutrients, protein and fat as well as liquids. As your cat ages, canned food is more easily chewed. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.
Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. This is essential, even for indoor pets. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. Include medical issues if appropriate.
If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, take note. Some feline health problems may cause your cat to refuse to use their litter box. A UTI or kidney infection may be the reason for its bathroom problems. Talk to the vet when your cat goes to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.
Don’t give a cat human medications. If your cat is ill, you need to take him to the vet to get proper treatment. Giving your pet medication that was meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and it may even cause death.
Cats have a surprisingly acute sense of smell, making it easy for them to detect change in their environment. Sometimes this causes problems if you introduce a new food dish, bed, or scratching post. Don’t let this discourage you. Once the cat gets used to the smell of the new item, quickly he or she will get accustomed to it.
You want to be watchful regarding panting. Panting is completely normal in dogs. If your cat is panting it may be overheated or having anxiety. It may also be something that is a lot more serious than those things. Call your vet, especially if you cat has a history of respiratory problems.
You love your cat and want to care for them properly. After reading this article, you should know more about how to care of a cat properly. Use these ideas to make sure your cat remains happy and healthy. You can increase the life span of your beloved pet by properly caring for it.