Agility, intelligence, and the sound of purring. You get these things when you bring home a cat. With all these wonderful things also comes a major responsibility. This article should help. When your cat is happy, you can be happy. Read on to learn more!

Make sure to keep your cat's litter box clean at all times. Most cats do not like to use a dirty litter box, much like you would not want to use a dirty toilet. Scoop it at least once a day. Empty and give it a good cleaning once a week or more if needed.

Realize that cats do not normally pant. Dogs pant to keep cool. If a cat pants, it's a sign of trouble. Your cat could be very anxious or in pain. Likewise, what is a branch in git is a sign of pain or anxiety. Be sure to contact your vet right away if your cat starts panting.

Although depicted in countless movies and cartoons, milk is not the best source of nutrition for your cat. Once cats have grown, they do not need milk as a regular part of their diet. Milk can cause stomach distress and bloating. Instead of giving your cat milk, always have fresh, clean water available to them instead.

If you going to be gone for more than a day, you should have someone look in on your cat. Leave out plenty of food, but have someone come to make sure it doesn't run out. If you do not have a neighbor or family to look in on your cat, you can usually find a cat sitter for a few dollars each day.

Handle your kitten often. The longer your cat is handled as a kitten, the more readily they will accept being handled when they are grown, especially around their paws. This is important as all cats will have to visit the vet occasionally, and this 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.

Do you have more than one cat? If so, then you should have more than one litter box as well. Having one for each of your cats will give them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets too much you can add a little baking soda to the litter to freshen it up.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. Punishment affects cats differently from dogs. They like responding to encouragement better. Put the carrier in a comfortable place and fill it with treats and toys. Eventually, the cat will go into the carrier naturally and feel comfortable. As the cat becomes used to being in the carrier, it will become easier to transport them in it.

If your cat bothers your Christmas tree or other plants, try beating him at his own game. Make his favorite chewing and climbing areas unattractive to him by placing the peelings of oranges, lemons or grapefruit around the places you wish for him to avoid. Cats hate citrus, and this is a natural way to keep them from getting into trouble.

Feed a kitten proper food. A developing kitten survives exclusively on their mother's milk for the first four weeks, a commercial formula if the mother isn't around. When moving to regular food, feed them specially formulated kitten food until they reach maturity at the age of one. Kittens need plenty of protein while they are developing.

Just as important as it is to take care of your own teeth, you need to take care of your cats as well. Cats can develop tarter and plaque build-up over time. Purchasing a toothbrush and toothpaste made specially for felines is a great way to keep your cats teeth clean and healthy.

This article gives you many different techniques to use with your cat. You'll be a better person for it. When you take care of a cat properly, the cat will be happier and you may enjoy each other much more. You should start using these tips and do more research on the different things you can do to properly care for your cat.