Few animals give a pet owner more satisfaction than a feline. They are smart, funny, and have a level of arrogance to compete with some of the most conceded humans there are! Most of all though, cats need love and attention.

Just like any other pet, cats need a good home with owners that are willing to care for them and meet their needs. Here are some tips on how to properly take care of your new feline friend:

To keep your cat happy and healthy, it’s important to schedule regular visits to the vet. Not only are regular checkups good for catching problems early, but regular visits can insure that your cat keeps up to date on its vaccinations. If you don’t know when the last time your cat had its shots is, schedule an appointment for booster shots as soon as possible.

Next, you will need to provide your cat with a litter box. It is important to keep the litter box clean at all times or your cat may start going to the bathroom outside of the box.

Cats also need a good diet in order to stay healthy. You can either feed them wet food or dry food, but make sure that it is a high-quality brand. You should also always have fresh water available for your cat.

If you replace an old scratching post, your cat may be unhappy with the new one. Save money on scratching posts. Wrap your old scratching post with some sisal rope to spiff it up. Your cat will be happy not to lose its favorite old post. You will save a little cash.

Save your furniture with scratching posts and pads. It is natural for cats to want to stretch their claws out and scratch. This does not mean that a cat owner must have damaged furniture. Provide your cat with places that it is okay to scratch and redirect them there if they decide to try out your sofa. Cat scratching posts come in many shapes and materials and some cats prefer a particular type so it may take some trial and error before you find the right combination for your kitty.

If your cat tends to be antisocial and anxious with company, try giving it a catnip toy a few hours before the company arrives. Many cats become very mellow when exposed to catnip. Even if your cat does not want to socialize after catnip exposure, it will probably be happier and less anxious.

Finally, cats need plenty of love and attention. They should be brushed regularly and played with often. If you do all of these things, you will have a happy and healthy cat that will be a great addition to your family.