Like people, cats need proper nutrition. If you feed your cat improperly, he may gain weight or become malnourished. Continue reading to learn more about cat care.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. This kind of collar can turn a potentially-dangerous situation into a merely exasperating one.

TIP! Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. Keep the cat away from these cords as they tend to form loops when the cat is playing around, and it could accidentally go around their neck and strangle them.

It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. Cats love being up high so that they can see. You can control this tendency a bit by making high places in the house that you feel comfortable having your cat utilize. A cat tower near your kitchen can give them a place to watch you that is out of the way.

Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. You can’t always get it online. But if you have to regularly buy pet medicine, you can save 50% or more on some medicines by buying online.

If you’re traveling with your cat, take care to remember their ears. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. This means that you should keep your music turned down or off so the cat can relax.

TIP! If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter.

Make sure you are cautious about leaving a young child alone with a small kitten. A cat should not be left alone with a child under five years of age. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.

Cats enjoy being in high places. Your cat will be truly happy if you provide a place for him to view his surroundings. You can have a cat tree or even a strong wall shelf. You can also add a small bed or blanket at the top.

Speak with friends and family when you have difficulty with your cat. You can solve most problems by yourself, but you might benefit from the experience of others. You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.

TIP! Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling.

Increase the variety of food that you give your cat. If you start them off eating the same type of food all of the time and you never change it up, this will most likely be the only food they will eat in the future.

Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. Affordable antibiotics can solve concerns that may otherwise be quite serious.

Try moving your litter box somewhere else if the cat won’t use it. A cat knows that when it’s going to the bathroom it’s in a vulnerable situation, so you should make sure the box is in a calm, secure location. Areas away from high activity are a good choice, such as basements and laundry rooms.

TIP! Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots.

Happy dogs wag their tail. When a cat wags its tail, it’s for a completely different reason. Tail wagging in a cat usually indicates a mental conflict that your cat is mulling over, such as deciding whether to flee or attack. If a cat you are holding starts flicking his tail, then it is time to put him down.

Give your cat a collar that features your contact information. You may have an indoor pet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t ever get out. If that happens, you want to be sure that there is a way for them to make it back home.

Don’t give cats human medication. A visit to the veterinarian will ensure that your pet receives the proper medication. Refrain from giving cats any medication not intended for them.

TIP! You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. It is possible that a dog’s product could cause a serious adverse effect on a cat.

Just like humans, being overweight can harm a cat’s health, so do not feed him too much. Your cat could become obese and develop some health issues. Carefully monitor your cat’s portions to make sure they eat a balanced diet.

Investigate for spaces you don’t want your cat getting into. Cats can get through minuscule gaps. Be especially careful with kittens. Beware of this as you bring a new kitty into your home. Cover or repair large holes you see.

While you must use the vet for particular needs, those bills sure can stack up. Save a bit of money and time by purchasing medication for your cat online. Some places will even ship the medicine directly to your home. This is a great way to handle purchasing medications your cat takes on a monthly basis.

TIP! It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything.

It is important to make sure your cat has flee and tick medication. Lots of medications are done on a monthly basis, and they are extremely effective. Fleas and ticks can cause disease in your cat, and using one of these medications is the best way to prevent that. Be sure to use something made just for cats to keep your pet safe.

When you bring a new pet home, your old cat may become upset. To keep pet drama at a minimum, keep the pet away from your cat. The new smell is something your cat will need to adjust to. Then gradually introduce the new pet to the cat. Take it slow so your cat does not get upset.

If you do have an outdoor cat there are microchips available to be inserted in them which can help you locate the cat should it wander away. If your missing pet is picked up and delivered to animal control, the data embedded in the chip will soon see you reunited with your feline friend.

TIP! Avoid the chance that your male cat will develop crystals in his system that will come out in his urine by feeding a high quality diet. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money.

Proper nutrition and diet is essential for a cat’s well being. If it doesn’t get enough of the right foods, or gets a lot of the wrong ones, your pet will be less healthy and may live a shorter life. Do what is best for the cat and provide good food.