Cats, like people, require a proper diet with the right amount of nutrients. If you cat doesn’t get taken care of properly, health issues could occur. This article will teach you how to properly care for your cat.

Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. Ensure that you at least put the name of your cat and your personal phone number on this tag.

TIP! If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost.

Avoid letting your cat get bored. Cats need to play and get regular exercise. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this. Bored cats can suffer from depression, extreme compulsive disorders, and other harmful issues that can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Provide them with space to exercise and lots of toys to play with. Give them a cat tree to play with.

Cats are generally nocturnal. It is likely that they will want to play while you are sleeping. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This will keep them from pouncing on you and trying to play in the middle of the night.

Litter Box

TIP! Give your cat lots of attention and love. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners.

Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic. In addition, it does not need to be near the cat’s food. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. This will keep both you and your cat happy.

Are you the proud owner of both a cat and dog? Dogs love to eat cat food! Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This will also prevent squabbles between them.

Speak to your peers about your cat issues. You may think it’s something you can take care of on your own, but other people that own cats could help. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.

TIP! You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option.

Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. By feeding the cat the same kind of food over and over again, they become used to that specific food. Good luck getting it to try something new!

If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. The cats loves it the most in this condition. If you replace it with something new, your pet might seek out something a little more worn to scratch – like your furniture.

Purchase high quality food for your cat. Check out the ingredients, and make sure meat tops the list. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats are carnivores, so if you want them to be as healthy as possible, you need to be sure they’re eating enough animal protein.

TIP! Younger children can be a little rough with cats sometimes. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. It sometimes has more benefits over dry. They have more water, protein and fat too. Aging cats can chew this easier. Canned food is usually a great option for your cat, but talk with your vet.

Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. This will be important even if you have an indoor cat. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. This is crucial if your cat requires special medical attention.

Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunities to play. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Though older cats don’t have as much energy, they still need some play. Make sure you and your cat are thoroughly enjoying each other.

Haired Cats

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. While long haired cats are soft and look great, understand that there will be a lot more fur around the rest of the house. Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. You should keep in mind that long haired cats are more prone to hairballs.

If your cat’s about to have kittens, create a spacious area in which she can do so. It will take about three to four hours for all of the kittens to come out, so be patient. Once 6 hours have passed, if all the kittens have not been delivered you should seek the help of a vet.

TIP! Reconsider outside time for your cat. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors.

Has your cat stopped using its litter box? If so, consider moving the box into another location. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. The best places are basements and laundry rooms.

Put a collar around your cat’s neck. Make sure it has your address, phone number and name. The cat may get out if it has a chance to, even house cats do this. If your cat were to escape, it’s important for them to get back home safely.

The diet a cat eats is integral to good health. There are many things you need to know to have a healthy cat. Choose the cat food you use for your pet very carefully.