A cat is an inquisitive, affectionate, loving addition for any family, and adopting one can add a great deal of quality time to your life. May you are looking for a new way to entertain your cat. You don’t need to spend any money to enjoy some playtime with your cat. Use these tips to have better days ahead.

You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs. Flea products are a great example of this. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. Actually, it is best to separate the cat from the dog once the flea problem has been treated.

TIP! Contact local shelters if you want to adopt a cat. Shelters are filled with beautiful cats, and the fee for adoption will basically cover the needed vet care.

Nice furniture and cat claws don’t get along very well. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post. Encourage them to scratch that instead. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.

The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. You should also make sure there is ample ventilation to avoid odors. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.

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. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Be sure to read the ingredient label. Fish usually has more magnesium than poultry.

TIP! Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age.

Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. If this occurs, you will have a mess on your hands. It’s easier to clean up this food by purchasing a placement and inserting it under your cat’s food bowl, or you could simply cut some fabric and make it into a tablecloth so you can easily pick up the food and throw it away.

You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. This can put your cat in an unsafe position. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. There is the possibility they may get injured by another animal, even people and cars too. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

Always watch a kitten around small kids. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. When children are over the age of five, then you should decide whether or not they are mature enough to handle a kitten.

TIP! Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. Your cat will probably be very active during the night.

Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. There are a number of message boards for cat owners on the Internet, or you can go to your vet with problems.

Regularly brush your cat’s hair. This will help spread the natural oils within their fur while stimulating their skin’s blood flow. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. This helps to stop hairballs and their associated medical problems.

A collar and tags are a great way that your cat can be identified if it is found stray. This will be important even if you have an indoor cat. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. It is a good idea to include your own phone number along with the name and contact number of your veterinarian. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.

TIP! Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us.

Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Additionally, consider that longer-haired cats are more likely to have issues with hairballs.

Litter Box

Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. Your first instinct may be to hide it away out of sight and out of smelling range. You have to accept the fact that easy access for your cat is the first priority in choosing a spot for the litter box. Cats can be finicky, so it is important that you give them an environment they feel comfortable in. If the litter box is kept on a cement floor, then place a rug or mat underneath it.

TIP! You can often find better deals for cat medicine online rather than buying them from the veterinarian. In emergency situations, buying online may not be a good option.

There are many ways to enjoy time with your cat. As you can see, relating to your cat is really not that difficult at all. A healthy cat will make your days much more enjoyable.