It is important to take good care of your cat. Cats have special needs regarding grooming. Keeping your cat clean, well-fed and happy will expand their life span. The following information will help you learn more about all aspects of cat care.

When considering a new pet, make scsure 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. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.

You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.

Cats enjoy getting into spaces that are small. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. That’ll keep kitty safe.

A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. It may take some time and some corrections, but it can usually eliminate the problem.

You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. Though, in emergency situations, buying online may not be possible. The savings can amount to almost 50 percent on regularly prescribed medications.

Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Let your children know what rooms you will allow the cat to go into. It’s also important to let them know that outside doors must be kept closed so that the cat doesn’t escape. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.

Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. If this happens, it may be because you have not kept the box as clean as you should. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.

While a torn up scratching post might look unattractive, do not get rid of it. When a post is worn, your cats may enjoy it more. If you throw it away, you may find your cat scratching on other surfaces.

Plan on spending the money for good cat food that contains the nutrients that your cat needs. Read the ingredients, and make sure a source of protein, like fish or chicken, is near the top. Stay way from cat foods made of corn or any other ingredients that aren’t based in protein. Since cats are carnivorous, they require animal protein to stay in the best health.

A clean cat is a happy cat. It’s up to you to tend to your cat’s needs and take the necessary steps to keep it healthy. Make sure that you groom your cat every couple of days. Use the tips shared here for grooming and making your cat happy.