Cats are a lot of fun to have around, but they are often quite finicky! From specific dietary needs, to grooming needs and behavioral challenges, you must consider many different concerns when you have a cat. This article provides some great advice on a vast array of topics to help you deal with your new furry friend.

Keep your cat groomed. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. This will keep them sterile and aesthetically pleasing. In addition, it helps decrease shedding, which results in less hairballs. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.

TIP! Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Cats need to play and get regular exercise. Sadly, this can be easily overlooked.

If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.

Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat. This particularly applies to flea products. Your cat can die when exposed to flea prevention items made for dogs. Make sure to separate your cat from your dog after spraying.

Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.

TIP! Cats are generally nocturnal. Because of this, night time is when they are most active.

Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. If your cat likes to chew cords, hide the cords as best you can. Loose cords can be bundled and tucked inside old paper towel rolls. Put away electronics that have tempting, thin cords when you’re not using them.

Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.

Normally cats are nocturnal animals. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. This will ensure they don’t pounce on you at nighttime, or wake you up in other ways.

TIP! Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. Passing these crystals is painful and the vet bill to have this corrected is expensive.

Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Look over the label. Products that contain fish are normally much higher in magnesium over ones containing poultry.

If you’re getting a kitten for your children, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. Let your kids know which rooms your cat is allowed in. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.

Cats love being up high. For a truly happy cat, provide a safe place for your cat to survey his surroundings. If a cat tree is not your style, clear off a sturdy shelf that he can jump up on. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.

TIP! Cats and small children may not always mix. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled.

Give your cat a wide array of foods in order to prevent pickiness. Cats who eat the same food day after day either grow tired of it, or it becomes the only food that they will eat.

Always make sure that your cat has on identification tags and a collar. This applies even to indoor cats. Cats are curious by nature, and an open window or door invites exploration. Include your vet’s info as well as your own on the tags. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.

Making sure your cat is taken care of can be easy if you know what you’re doing and if the animal behaves right off the bat. But, you have to remember that most cats won’t be that easy to take care of. If you follow the advice in this article you can be a great cat owner. The effort expended will be well worth it, and will be rewarded in many ways.