Cats have often been mentioned in fiction and poetry. Eliot said that a household will depend upon a cat. A home can benefit from a healthy, good cat. Sometimes, cats are very difficult to live with. Have a better time living with your cat through these tips.

Make sure you keep all the recommended appointments with your cat’s veterinarian. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. Try using one veterinarian consistently. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.

Flea Products

Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. Be very careful with the flea products you use. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. In truth, your cat needs to be kept a distance from any dog just flea-treated for the first few hours.

Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home. Redirect your cat to the scratching post when they start to go after your furniture. Catnip can be put in the posts or on the tower to help train the cat to use it. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.

Litter Box

Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. You’ll want to place the box in a spot with good ventilation to avoid unpleasant smells. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.

Are you a cat and dog owner? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat’s food. Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This will help prevent any fights that may occur between your animals.

TIP! Keep your older cat comfortable by placing a heated tile underneath its bed. Bake a one-foot tile made from terra cotta in the oven at 200 degrees F for around 15 to 20 minutes.

Use care if you have kids and a cat. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. They don’t know what harm they can do. As children grow, it will be easier to see if they’re mature enough to handle a cat.

Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. This is even true for indoor cats. A naturally curious cat will readily wander out an open door or window. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. This is very critical if your feline has specific medical issues.

Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. It could be an indication of a serious health problem. A quick course of antibiotics can head off dangerous complications if you get your cat diagnosed and treated early enough.

TIP! It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. Cats love being up high so that they can see.

Cats need to play! In fact, play is a common activity for all mammals, including people and cats, no matter their age. While older cats have less energy than their younger counterparts, they can still play a little. Play with your cat and give them the fun time it needs.

Take note if the cat ceases using its litter box. Health problems may be causing your cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. Infections and problems with the kidneys and bladder may be the culprit. Call your veterinarian right away if your cat doesn’t use the litter box.

If kitty won’t use the litter box, try moving it. Whenever a cat is using the restroom, it feels vulnerable; therefore, the litter box needs to be kept in a safe and quiet location. Some great examples of such locations are basements, laundry rooms or any other less frequently used room in your home.

TIP! Microchips are an increasingly popular form of pet protection. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window.

There are things you can eat that your cat cannot. Examples of problem foods include garlic, green tomatoes, onions and grapes. These items can make your cat very ill. In addition, milk can also upset your cat’s stomach.

Your cat is subject to rabies, fleas and fungus if let to go outdoors. While it is possible to be exposed to certain things in the house, the cat is less likely to come into contact with them if he doesn’t go outside.

Watch out for holes near your home that you don’t want your cat to hide in. Cats are able to fit into gaps that are tiny. Kittens can also be very creative in their explorations. Be aware of this when you are bringing a new cat into the home. You will need to repair or at least cover up any of the bigger holes you find.

TIP! Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” If the cats hair is too long, this is what causes hairballs.

Being the owner of a cat isn’t always the easiest thing to be, but it is very rewarding. Whether your cat jumps around the house or prefers to lie around sleeping all day, this tips will help you improve the relationship between you and your feline friend. You’re going to be hearing your cat purring instead of meowing to get your attention.