Cats are one of the most independent pets it is possible to own. However, this doesn't mean you can simply let them live their lives without caring for them. A lot switches into owning a cat and the next article has some great ideas to show you exactly what you need to know. Read on and learn.

When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Shelters round the country are overflowing, and the cats there need more humans to help. Adoption fees often incorporate spaying or neutering them, shots or other vet care. Once you adopt a cat from a shelter, you save a life and help keep the cat population in order.

If you have outdoor cats, be sure to discourage pests such as for example coyotes, possums and raccoons by bringing cat food indoors at night. Feed your cats very first thing in the morning, and make sure there is no food left at nightfall. This can keep your cats safe from attack and illness.

If your cat is picky about normal water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out from the kitchen sink and the bathroom .. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor searching for fresh water.

Clip your cats nails regularly. Cats do have to scratch. However, when cats scratch, their nail sheaths come off and their sharp, pointy claws are exposed. Clipping your cat's claws every 2-3 weeks keeps them blunt and helps maintain harm to furniture, humans, along with other pets to a minimum.

For a healthier, happier cat choose plain litter over scented litter. Cats like nice, clean, clumping cat litter. Scoop your cats litter box daily and change it out completely every three days roughly. Once you change the box, wash it out with water and dish soap. Don't waste your cash on liners as cats have a tendency to destroy them.

An inside cat who gets a taste of the outdoors will forever desire to go outside. Once you learn your cat will be an indoor cat, do your best to keep them from sneaking out. You can try to train your cat in which to stay your yard when you are outside.

Cats want to much on grass and plants such as for example catnip. You can find plants however which are poisonous to cats. Chrysanthemums and holly are beautiful and common around the Holidays, but can be extremely toxic to cats. Other plants which are toxic or lethal include lilies, rhubarb and daffodils.

If your cat takes all of the ornaments off the Christmas tree, don't fight it. Begin collecting attractive cat toys and unbreakable ornaments to decorate the tree next year. Be sure never to decorate with potentially dangerous items like tinsel and garlands. Tinsel is a choking hazard for cats and garlands can cause strangulation.

Take your cat to the vet periodically. Lots of cat owners tend to avoid the vet because it can be harder to get a cat ready to go anywhere she does not desire to go! It is also easy to steer clear of the vet because cats seem so self-reliant. However, it's best if you get your cat to the vet to avoid any problems.

Should you go out with your cat, be sure that she actually is wearing a collar with tags. This way, if anything happens and you also two become separated, anyone will get her and discover how to reach you. Your cat may not like the collar all the time, but when she's out of the house it can save her.

If you likely to be gone for greater than a day, you ought to have someone look in on your cat. Leave out plenty of food, but have someone arrived at make sure it doesn't go out. If you don't have a neighbor or family to look in on your cat, it is possible to usually look for a cat sitter for some dollars each day.

Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they'll accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will need to visit the vet occasionally, which process is much easier and less stressful if the cat is accustomed to being handled. It will also make grooming and nail trimming much easier.

As was mentioned earlier in this posting, cats need a lot of attention and care if you would like them to live a happy and healthy life. Be sure to implement the advice mentioned previously if you're considering obtaining a cat. It really is information both you and your cat are sure to benefit from.