A cat can be a pet and also a friend. If you want the feline to be with you for the long term, it pays to know proper cat care. Before getting one from the pet store or animal shelter, be sure to have a bed, dish bowl and litter box ready. By giving them their own space, they will be able to adapt to the new environment that you have made for them.

Since the cat will explore around the house and might even go out, it is advisable to put a collar around its neck which has your name, contact number and address so in case it wanders off, one of your neighbors will be able to return it. Another option is to insert a microchip under their skin. Putting this device into the feline is very similar to giving it a vaccination. Aside from using it merely to identify the cat if it gets lost, it also has another purpose which is a flea deterrent because it has a chemical that helps keep these parasites away.

You may only buy high quality cat food for your pet. These should be loaded in protein that may come from beef, fish or chickens. These are available either in canned or Kibble and most diet consultants agree that a mixture of both is perfect so they don't develop food addictions.

One thing you may never feed a cat is chocolate as it has certain chemicals that would be deadly for them. Aside from food, you'll give your cat food additions like Omega three trans-acids and Taurine which is a necessary amino acid. Don't forget to bring your cat once or more a year to the vet. This is to check on your pet's state of health as well as giving the every year vaccination shots. You have got to know the older the cat gets, such visits to the vet should be done every 6 months because they also age.

If there is a problem or you suspect that something is wrong, drive down to the vet even if you don't have an appointment. Remember that when it comes to dealing with felines, this professional is the specialist. Cats have the ability to clean themselves but they can only do so much on their own. While they are young, they have to get used to the idea of giving themselves a bath. Once dried, their hairs should be combed so it does not get tangled.

You should trim their nails so they don't scratch too hard and hurt themselves or even you. Since they love to scratch and this may cause damage to your furniture, make sure to also have a scratching pad nearby positioned by their bed or the furniture. House cats should always be kept indoors. This will prevent them from coming into contact with other animals that may be carriers of infectious diseases that may be fatal to them. If ever you go out, make sure all the windows and doors are locked.

Long term cat care may let it live for 10 years or longer. Just remember that it is a responsibility that you accepted so make the best of it.