Cats are extremely interesting and are wonderful animals. Cat owners need to learn proper cat care and learn all that they can so that their companion can live a fulfilling and healthy life. Read here about some ways to achieve your goals as a good cat owner.

Keep your cat away from your drapery cords. Do not allow your cat to play with these. The cords may be looped and a cat may get them wound around their neck. This may hurt them or possibly cause death. Pin back drape cords to avoid this type of issue.

TIP! Check with your shelter before you purchase a cat. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care.

If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!

Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.

Flea Products

TIP! Take your cat to the vet every year. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations.

Don’t use dog portions for your cat. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. This definitely applies to flea products. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. In fact, it is a good idea to separate your cat and dog for a few hours after your dog has taken flea medication.

Keep your cat away from boredom. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. A lot of cat owners do not keep their cats busy. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Provide your cats with the toys and space it needs. Provide them with an indoor climbing area or scratching post.

A cat generally spends quite a bit of time grooming itself. Long hair encourages hairballs. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. The are specially formulated cat foods that help reduce the instances of hairballs, which is not only good for your cat, but also good for you and your feet in the middle of the night.

TIP! Cats are usually more active during the night. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night.

Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Food with a low magnesium content will help. Check the label. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.

You need to establish some boundaries if you are getting a cat for your children. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If you want your cat to stay indoors, then the children must understand the seriousness of never letting it out. Creating rules and boundaries will help the children learn what is allowed.

Provide your cat with a drinking fountain. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Cats will respond more positively to streams of water. You may have noticed that a dripping sink faucet quickly attracts their attention. Also, drinking fountains are more environmentally friendly and gives them the ability to drink naturally.

TIP! Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. Cats are looking for a response in kind in exchange for all of the friendly companionship they offer to humans.

Does it seem like your cat’s hairs are everywhere you look? You need to brush your cat regularly, especially if she sheds a lot. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him more often. This also prevents matting and tangling.

Do your best to keep your cat as healthy as possible and take it to the vet regularly. Not unlike kids, kittens require vaccinations and check ups every so often so that they do not get sick. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.

It is possible that placing the litter box in a new part of the house will help your cat to bond with it. Cat’s sometimes just don’t like the location you’ve picked for the box. Great suggestions include your basement and laundry room.

TIP! Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive.

You may often eat things that are quite bad for cats. Some of these foods include garlic, grapes, onions and green tomatoes. Ingesting these foods can end up making your cat really sick or worse. Milk is also not especially good for your cat’s stomach.

As you’ve read, a cat can be a wonderful companion. To ensure that your cat stays healthy and happy it is imperative that you educate yourself on proper cat care-taking. Keep these tips in mind as you take care of your cat. Your cat will love that you did.