Cat ownership is an adventure with countless rewards. However, you should keep in mind that being a cat owner takes a lot of effort. There are special considerations that need to be considered when you own a cat. The article below has the information you need. Keep reading to discover more ideas for good pet care.

Never use something that is intended for a canine on your feline. Cats don’t like dog products. This is especially true of flea products. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.

Scratching Post

Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.

A microchip will allow you to find your pet if it is lost. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. Microchips are minuscule, but can hold all the essential information about your cat and its hope. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

TIP! Microchip your cat. Even cats that live their lives entirely indoors can suddenly escape out a window or door.

Location is key when placing a litter box. Try and put it in an isolated area away from the cat bowl. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. You and your cat will greatly appreciate this.

Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Feed cats food that’s low in magnesium. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.

When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. If you want your cat to stay indoors, then the children must understand the seriousness of never letting it out. If you make the rules ahead of time, you can be sure your kids understand them.

TIP! Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency.

Speak to your peers about your cat issues. You may try to handle it yourself, but you might need input from other cat owners. You can find online cat forums to ask questions, or you can speak with your vet.

Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. If you feed them only one type of food, they may refuse to eat anything else. However, stick with the same brand, and just vary the flavors because cats can have stomach problems if you vary the food too much.

Drinking Fountain

TIP! If you’re getting a kitten for your children, discuss this with them before bringing the cat home. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into.

Get your cat a drinking fountain. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running water. Cats often like the running water more than their own bowl of water. So a drinking fountain makes a smart investment that’s both environmentally friendly and loved by your feline.

Your cat needs to always wear some tags on a collar. This is essential, even for indoor cats. The lure of an open door or window is very attractive to your curious cat. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. This is crucial if your cat requires special medical attention.

Be patient with your pets when you introduce a second cat into your home. There will be an inevitable adjustment period as your two cats get to know each other. Expect to see your cats avoid each other, hiss, or even confront one another. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.

TIP! Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? Keep in mind that the two animals have separate dietary needs, and dogs will try cat food if given the chance. Because of this, you should make the place that your cat food is in higher up so that the dog cannot reach it.

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, you should take him to the vet. They’re trying to tell you something is wrong. A potentially serious illness may be able to be treated by inexpensive antibiotics.

Are you getting overwhelmed with all the cat hair in your home? You have to brush your cat to avoid their shedding. If your cat sheds a lot, you probably need to brush it more often. This can also stop their coats from becoming tangled up.

Litter Box

TIP! Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet.

Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. You may want to place in some out-of-the-way corner so the smell doesn’t bother anyone. 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 are quite finicky, so it is important to make their bathroom environment appealing them them or risk messes throughout the house. If you are going to put the litter box in a room without carpet, put a mat beneath it to keep the box warm.

Make sure your cat has routine check ups and vaccinations to ensure longevity and good health. A kitten is not so different from a child. It needs properly-scheduled check-ups and immunizations to prevent medical complications down the road. Your cat is part of your family, and you should treat him as you would any other well-loved member of your household.

As mentioned earlier, you benefit from having a cat. In order for your cat to be healthy and happy, you must give it the right care and attention. Be sure to use this information if you want to make a cat part of your home.