If you use proper care techniques, cats can be truly delightful pets. If you own a cat, you need to educate yourself about tips and information to make sure your cat lives happily. The following tips will help you out.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.

TIP! Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. It is best to spay your cat, even if you want to keep it as an indoor pet. Spaying a cat can prevent this.

If you give your kids a kitten, provide them with firm boundaries at the same time. Explain where the cat is and isn’t allowed. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.

You should think before allowing your cat to go outside. Your cat might not be safe outside. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Cats can be gravely injured or killed by eating poisonous plants, flowers or chemicals, hit by a car or even harmed by neighbors who are irritated with your cat on their property. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.

TIP! Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped.

Talk to people you know about any cat problems you’re having. You can often get great advice from friends and family. There are also forums on the Internet which cater to cat parents.

Use a brush on your cat regularly. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. It also gets rid of shedding hair. This can reduce hairballs which can be harmful to a cat and build up in their stomachs.

If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. It could be an indication of a serious health problem. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.

TIP! A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. Allow a terra cotta tile to heat in an oven for 15 minutes at 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Does it seem like your cat’s hairs are everywhere you look? Cats are big shedders, so you should brush them frequently. If your cat is shedding too often, you should brush it more regularly. This keeps the coat from matting, too.

Make sure you provide adequate space to a cat that is about to give birth. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If six hours have gone by and you think there are still more kitten inside the cat, take her to a vet immediately.

Try relocating your cat’s litter box if it’s refusing to use it. Cats know that they’re vulnerable when using the bathroom and need a place that is quiet and safe. Some good places would be basements, laundry rooms, and any other place that doesn’t have a lot of noise and people going in and out.

TIP! Create a tablecloth for the feline. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side.

Keep products containing phenol away from your cat. A lot of household cleaners have this in them, so you should read the labels before using them around your cat. Cats hate the smell of phenol, and for good reason. Long term exposure to it can cause cats to have live issues.

Your cat should be fed food that’s dry on a regular basis. Kittens need wet food due to the size of their teeth. Hard, dry food is best for grown-up cats because it helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. A picky cat might like dry and wet food mixed together.

Health Problems

TIP! Are you the owner of a dog and a cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. That’s why you should place your cat’s food in a place which is hard for your dog to reach.

One easy way to prevent a lot of potential feline health problems down the road is to refrain from over-feeding your cat. The extra weight can directly cause health problems now and in the future. Carefully monitor your cat’s portions to make sure they eat a balanced diet.

While cats are awesome pets, you have to make sure you take care of them properly. If you own a cat, feel free to read this piece over so you can absorb these great tips. With the right tender loving care you can ensure that your kitty enjoys a terrific, healthy life.