Like humans, cats require many things, even a proper diet. If your cat has a poor diet it can negatively affect his health. Read on for more tips on caring for your cat.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. Your cat can preserve a few of his nine lives with this.

TIP! You must always take your cat for regular vet check-ups. Understand that cats require vaccinations in order to stay healthy, and the veterinarian needs to regularly check for any health problems.

Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. Cats must see their vet right away if they start having health issues, injuries or other problems.

Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. It is possible that a dog’s product could cause a serious adverse effect on a cat. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.

The claws of a cat can really destroy parts of your house and furniture. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. Sooner or later, they’ll love to use it.

TIP! If you have an old cat, you can help make its bed more comfortable by placing heated tiles underneath it. A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal.

Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings. One good way to beat this problem is by giving your kitty some safe, high perches throughout the house. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.

Litter Box

Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Do not place it in a busy area or close to where your cat eats meals. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. Your cat and you will appreciate it.

TIP! If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged.

Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Cats are by nature companion animals, but that companionship goes two ways. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. Cats want to feel loved and needed.

Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. Sometimes, you may need the medicine immediately though. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.

When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. 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. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.

TIP! Male felines tend to have a build-up of crystals that present in the urine, so you need to avoid this with proper nutrition. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive.

You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. If you live with a cat for any amount of time, you will soon start to understand what your cat wants when she meows. Maybe she wants to go out, or maybe she wants to eat. When you pay attention to the cat’s actions and cues, then may grow to understand the cat all the more.

You cannot teach a cat to use a litter box. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. Some thing that rubbing a cats paws in litter is smart, but it can actually cause them mental trauma.

Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. The major cause of such accidents is usually because the litter box hasn’t been given the proper care. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

TIP! Why is your cat meowing? After you have coexisted with a pet cat for a long while, you are sure to figure out its meowing patterns. She could be signaling that she is hungry, or she might want to go outside.

Don’t scrimp when it comes to your pet’s food. Check out the ingredients, and make sure meat tops the list. Don’t give your cat foods that have corn or other elements that have no protein. Cats need meat, not vegetables.

Cats need to play! All mammals love to play. An aging cat may not have as much energy as a kitten, however it will still enjoy a little light playtime. Play with your cat, and you’ll both have fun.

Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. Cats are beautiful with hair that is long and silky. Your clothes, floors and furniture aren’t. Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. There will be hairball issues as well.

TIP! Unlike most humans, cats love heights. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out.

Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? When a cat sheds a lot, brushing is very important. If your cat is shedding a lot, you should brush them more frequently. Frequent brushing or combing keeps the cat from getting a tangled, matted coat.

With dogs, tail wagging is a sign they’re in a good mood, or glad their owners are around. A cat may look like it is wagging its tail, but it is completely different than what a dog does. A cat that is flicking its tail is either feeling threatened or predatory and is considering his next move. If you’re holding the cat and their tail begins wagging, they should be put down so that you don’t get scratched or hit.

A good diet is crucial to your cat’s health. You could significantly shorten the life space of your cat if you feed it unhealthy foods. Do what is best for your pet and it will live a healthy and happy life.