A cat can be hard to please. As soon as you obtain a cat, you discover that figuring them out is a life long process. Fortunately, if you educate yourself, you can better care for them. Here are a few helpful tips to teach you how to care for your cat.

Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. Cats should have regular combings. This can keep them clean. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. Keeping your cat nicely groomed will keep him and your home looking their best.

TIP! 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.

Female cats need to be spayed as soon as they reach the proper age. Whether or not she typically goes outside, she may escape while in heat and you might have kittens! Your best bet is to have your female cat spayed.

You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. This happens a lot with flea products. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. In fact, it is a good idea to separate your cat and dog for a few hours after your dog has taken flea medication.

Make sure your cat is not too bored. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. Sadly, this is overlooked by many cat owners. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Give them plenty of room to exercise and a wide selections of toys. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.

TIP! Keep your cat away from boredom. Cats need stimulation.

Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. It also protects your toes from those crafty midnight pounces.

Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” When your cat has long hair, this can cause hairballs. Special food can help. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.

Though a veterinarian will almost always have a supply of medications that your cat needs, it can be more cost-effective to purchase them from online venues. If it’s an emergency, buying online may not be an option. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.

TIP! You have to place a litter box correctly. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic.

Use a tablecloth underneath your cat’s dish. Sometimes cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it to the side of the bowl. This may make a big mess that you need to clean up. Think about putting a placemat underneath the bowl or make your own tablecloth out of fabric.

Pay Attention

Pay attention and try to figure out what is causing your cat to meow. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. When you pay attention to the cat’s actions and cues, then may grow to understand the cat all the more.

TIP! Make sure that you never neglect your cat. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you.

Don’t let your cat outside. This could be harmful and unsafe. Your cat may get fleas or have other problems. Cats can be harmed by cars, people and other animals. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

Cats enjoy climbing on things. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.

If you are experiencing an issue with your feline friend, seek advice from others. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. There are many online cat forums that will help you get questions answered. You could also try asking your vet.

TIP! Be sure you think about your cat’s ears when traveling. Although you may love singing loudly to your favorite songs while driving, your cat would probably prefer softer sounds.

Feeding your cat the proper canned food is ideal. It sometimes has more benefits over dry. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. For older feline’s, it’s also quite a lot easier to chew. You should listen to what your vet recommends, though.

Litter Box

Your cat’s choice to potty outside the litter box could signal something more worrisome than misbehavior. There are a number of health conditions that can make your kitty urinate and go to the bathroom in places other than the litter box. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. When your cat stops using the litter box regularly, a call to the vet is definitely in order.

TIP! Cats are usually great for kids, but smaller kids may be too rough with them. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet.

You should get a collar with your contact information and make sure your cat wears it all the time. Even if they’re an indoor cat, they may get out. Don’t take any chances; make sure your pet has the proper identification so he is returned to you.

These tips can help you ensure your cat is healthy. Use the things you have learned here so that you’re able to meet your cat’s needs. Who knows? He may even start liking you. Maybe!