Cats are interesting, unique and make for a family member to share your home with. Due to their independent and self-sufficient natures, cats make excellent companions for busy owners who can’t watch over them around the clock. You can ensure your cat has a rich and healthy life with the following tips.

If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. Be sure that the pet’s name and also your home number are on the tag.

TIP! Ensure your cat remains groomed. Cats must be brushed and groomed frequently.

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.

Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. These are very painful and expensive to treat. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Look over the label. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.

Use a tablecloth underneath your cat’s dish. It’s a common practice for cats to eat their food on the side of their bowl. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. You can get a pet mat or use a piece of old fabric to put under it for easy cleanup.

TIP! Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues.

Tell your kids what the rules are about your new kitten. Let your kids know where the cat can go. If you want the cat to be an inside cat, let the children know he cannot go outdoors. Establishing these boundaries ahead of time prevents any confusion.

Cat Owners

When something seems amiss with your feline friend, speak with other cat owners. You may think it’s something you can take care of on your own, but other people that own cats could help. Use the Internet to share tips with other cat owners and ask your questions or talk with your neighbors, friends or veterinarian.

TIP! Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat.

You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. This will be something that the cat does on its own and it usually is not learned fro another. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.

Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. It could be an indication of a serious health problem. A quick course of antibiotics can head off dangerous complications if you get your cat diagnosed and treated early enough.

It’s important that cats get play time. Playing is an activity that is very popular with mammals of any age, and this includes cats and people. An older cat may not be as energetic as when it was younger, but still enjoys light play. Enjoy your cat every day.

TIP! It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long.

Think about extra care before you take home a cat with long hair. The hair looks good, except when it’s all over your furniture. Realize the extra effort needed to keep a long-haired cat. Hairballs are something that you will often deal with if you own a fluffy cat.

Litter Box

Carefully consider where you will locate your cats’ litter box. It’s sometimes tempting to put the box somewhere that you don’t have to smell or see it. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. If your litter box is on a cold surface, place a rug or mater underneath it.

TIP! Avoid leaving a kitten alone with small children. Up until your child is five, children shouldn’t be alone with your pet.

When dogs are excited or happy, they will wag their tails when they see their owners. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. Tail wagging in a cat usually indicates a mental conflict that your cat is mulling over, such as deciding whether to flee or attack. If your cat starts wagging its tail while you hold it, you might want to set it down to avoid getting scratched and swatted.

Cats are intelligent, loving and independent, and they can be a great pet. When you’re well educated, your cat will be happy. Take a careful look at the tips presented above so that you can expand your knowledge of quality cat care. Your cat now can enjoy a much more fun life.