We all know that there are many common misconceptions about pets, but in reality, these beautiful felines make great companions. But, when you become a cat owner you should know that you will have a lot of factors to take into consideration, from food and allergies to proper grooming and disinfestation, all these things contribute to keeping your beloved furry friend happy. 

So, whether you are about to adopt a cat or already have one, you should know that it is very important to follow certain care rules. 

Here is a list of some of the most important things that your vet wants you to know about your cat! Read on for more info!

You should have more litter boxes for your cat

In general, cats are some of the cleanest animals and it is very important to keep their litter box clean. So, this is why you should have more litter boxes for your cat, especially if it is prone to having accidents around your house. 

 “You should always have more litter boxes than you do cats. For example, if you have one cat, make sure you have at least two litter boxes,” said Amanda Landis-Hanna, a veterinarian with PetSmart Charities.

“Get a good cat litter box and quality cat litter. An enclosed litter box can allow you and your cat more privacy, and clumping litter is easier to maintain. Keep the box clean, for the comfort of your cat and your nose. Also, make sure you buy well-balanced, age-appropriate food for your cat,” said Petmd.com specialists.

Try to avoid free-feeding your cat

Well, you should try not to fill the cat food bowl often because in this way it may become overweight. “By free-feeding your cat, you’re increasing the likelihood that they will get fat. Always measure your cat’s food and give them the appropriate amount,” said Ochoa.

“Cats are very opinionated about food, and a lot of their food preferences are formed in the first year,” says Julie A. Churchill, DVM, Ph.D., associate professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in St. Paul. “Overfeeding is an epidemic,” Churchill says.

“With so much advertising, people tend to focus on ingredients, but the nutrients are more important, namely protein and fat. It will say that the food is complete and balanced, either through a feeding trial or because the recipe meets cats’ nutritional requirements,” says Richard Hill, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville. 

“The beauty of commercial food is that it’s formulated specifically for cats, so it’s complete and balanced and meets their needs, and you don’t have to worry about it,” Churchill says.

Hypoallergenic cats

First of all, you should know that there are no cat breeds that are totally hypoallergenic. So, if you are allergic to cats it does not mean that you are allergic to their fur, but to a protein in their secretions and this type of protein is transmitted through saliva when they groom themselves. 

“Though no cat is fully hypoallergenic, you can consider getting a cat that doesn’t shed much or even a hairless cat like a Sphynx,” said Landis-Hanna.

“When people say dander, what they mean are the proteins that are in the cat’s saliva,” says cat geneticist Leslie Lyons, who runs the University of Missouri’s Feline and Comparative Genetics Laboratory. “When you’re allergic to animals, you’re allergic to several different proteins, but the cats have their own special one.”

“With cat allergens on the skin, they are then on the hands of the cat’s owner, who will take these allergens with her,” says Dr. William H. Miller, a professor of dermatology at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “Like the cat grooms, it covers itself in its saliva which will become aerosolized (turned into vapor) when dry. That, coupled with the cat’s habit of covering every square inch of the house, makes cat allergen very widespread.”

Your cat should not cough up hairballs

Well, in case you did not know this before, coughing up hairballs is not a healthy behavior. If your cat coughs up hairballs it could mean that your cat has some digestive problems because their stomach can’t process the small amount of hair or that it swallowed too much hair when grooming itself. 

“There are special diets and supplements that you can give to help decrease hairballs. Brushing your cat daily will also help decrease the amount of hair they take in while grooming,” Ochoa told Insider. 

“Grooming your cat is one of the best things you can do to prevent your cat from getting hairballs. Regular brushing and/or combing removes much of your cat’s loose hair before it can be ingested thus limiting the amount of hair that your cat swallows. In turn, less hair ingested means fewer hairballs being produced,” said Petmd.com specialists.

You should brush your cat’s teeth

Unfortunately, many pet owners do not brush their pet’s teeth, but your pet needs regular dental care just like humans. 

“One of the most common diseases in cats is dental disease. Most cats over the age of three have gingivitis or periodontal disease and can benefit from regular oral health care,” Landis-Hanna said. 

“If it’s a kitten you’re bringing home, make sure you start a grooming routine early. Bathing, brushing, and trimming claws will be an event to look forward to, rather than something to dread,” said Petmd.com specialists.

Make sure your furniture is secure

Cats love to climb your furniture, so you have to make sure that it is secure before adopting a pet. 

“Cats enjoy vertical spaces, including climbing curtains and jumping on top of electronics or appliances,” said Landis-Hanna. “It’s important to make sure all electronics and shelved objects are secure and can’t fall on your pet.”

Your cat can get fleas as well

Well, indoor cats can get fleas as well. If you want to get rid o fleas and disinfest your cat you should talk to your veterinarian. 

“Cats can get fleas and ticks even if they do not go outside. Your dog can bring fleas and ticks inside and give them to your cat. Because of this, be sure to also keep your cat on flea and tick medication,” said Ochoa. 

“Before you bring your cat home, take it for a checkup and immunizations. Also, schedule it in to be neutered as soon as age permits. This can mean the difference between a healthy and happy cat, and a miserable cat trying to claw its way through the windows or spraying your furniture,” said Petmd.com specialists.