Cats, just like all kinds of pets, require care from a responsible owner. Cats aren’t the same as other pets so they need to be taken care of differently. You must provide extra attention and take care to avoid certain things in order to groom them properly. Read on for useful tips for cat care.

Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Cats don’t like dog products. Flea products are a prime example. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. Make sure to separate your cat from your dog after spraying.

TIP! Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. Buy a scratching post if you need to protect the furniture in your home.

If your cat is outdoors, it needs to have a tagged collar. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. At the very least, you should include your contact info and the name of your cat on the tag.

Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them. You may be able to battle this issue by giving your cat a high place to chill. Your cat will not go on your counters if there’s a cat tower close to the kitchen.

Litter Box

TIP! The litter box for your cat needs to be positioned in the right place. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats.

Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.

Think hard before allowing your cat outside. It is dangerous in today’s society. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. Cats can also be hunted by other animals, stolen or hit by passing vehicles. If the cat must go outside, set aside a small part of the backyard or front lawn as a place where they can go.

Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. Punishing your cat may cause him to become afraid of you or their litter box.

TIP! Give your cat lots of attention and love. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same.

You should feed your cat food out of a can. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. Your cat will get more water and more vitamins and protein. It’s easier for older cats to chew as well. Speak with a vet, but know that wet food is normally much better for your pet.

Be aware of your cat stopping their litter box usage. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. A variety of infections and kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the box when they suddenly associate it with pain due to their medical condition. Therefore, whenever you notice your cat not using its litter box, call your veterinarian.

One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. When a cat wags its tail, it means something very different. Cats wag tails if they sense conflict, or if they’re trying to decide whether to fight or flee. Likewise, if you are holding your cat, and he suddenly starts to wag his tail, you may need to let him down to avoid swats or scratches to yourself!

TIP! Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs.

Don’t use chemicals near your cat that have phenol. This type of chemical can be found in Pine-Sol, Lysol, and other types of cleaners. Cats hate the smell of phenol and continuously exposing them to it could cause liver problems later in their lives.

Keep cats inside as much as you can, or at least close to you or your home. Indoor cats live longer than others allowed to walk around the neighborhood freely. Make sure your cat is trained as an indoor cat if you don’t want it to get diseases or other things that can happen when it’s outdoors.

Cats have a keen sense of smell and notice the smallest things. This may cause some problems when introducing new beds, scratching posts, or food dishes. Your cat may not initially appreciate a new pet. Your cat is going to like them more as they acquire your home’s smell.

If you work, your cat can get awfully lonely while you’re away. Therefore, in order to keep your cat happy and active, you need to consider obtaining another cat.

Good care will keep your cat happy and healthy. It is your job to do what you can to keep your feline friend healthy, happy, and comfortable. Any grooming efforts you take will be appreciated by your cat. Apply the advice in this piece, and make sure your cat is groomed regularly.