Lightning reflexes, soft purring and quick wits. These are only a few of the wonderful things about pet cats. They can be a tricky pet, which means this article is for you. The tips in this article will help you keep your cat purring away for years to come. Don’t turn away!

Groom your cat. Cats should have regular combings. Such practices help keep cats’ coats clean. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.

TIP! Get your cat to a vet on a regular basis for the best health possible. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations.

Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. A collar can become a liability if your cat is especially adventurous. A collar that is a breakaway model will detach itself if it gets pulled on. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.

Dog Products

Avoid using dog products on cats. Cats don’t like dog products. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Flea products meant for dogs can seriously harm or kill a cat. Make sure to separate your cat from your dog after spraying.

TIP! It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill.

Be sure to show your cat affection as much as possible. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Cats need a social life with people just like you do with other people. They’ll know they are accepted as members of the family if they get plenty of loving attention.

Take care if you leave a kitten with youngsters. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. Younger children cannot fully understand how to properly handle a small pet. Once the child is older and more mature, decide if they are ready for the responsibility of handling animals.

Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. To make your cat happier, give him a lookout perch where he can check out the area. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. Make sure that this area is comfortable for your cat.

TIP! If your cat ventures outdoors, it’s key to get your cat a collar which has a contact tag. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost.

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This will be something that the cat does on its own and it usually is not learned fro another. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s actually incorrect to rub a cat’s paw in the litter.

Feed your cat a few different varieties of food. This can help him not get too finicky. If you start them off eating the same type of food all of the time and you never change it up, this will most likely be the only food they will eat in the future.

If your cat’s scratching post looks old and worn, don’t throw it away immediately. When a post is worn, your cats may enjoy it more. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.

TIP! Make sure your cat is out of harms way by putting a little bitter apple on all the electrical cords to avoid them getting shocked. If the cat likes to chew on cords, its best to cover them as best you can.

Make sure your cat always wears identification tags on their collar. Even if it’s an indoor cat, this is important. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. The tag your cat wears should display your number and your veterinarian’s information. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.

Take a cat who pees all over the house to the vet. Cats can show this behavior if they have a type of urinary tract infection or other health issue. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.

Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? Cats shed a ton, so they must be brushed frequently. The more a cat sheds, the moor they should be properly brushed. This can also stop their coats from becoming tangled up.

Litter Box

If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. A common sign that a cat has a medical condition is failure to use the bathroom in the litter box. These problems are generally related to the kidneys and/or bladder. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.

Outfit your cat with a tag and collar containing your address, phone number, and name. Cats who stay indoors could still get out. If this occurs, you must be sure that your animal can find its way home.

TIP! Your cat needs love and attention. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you.

It’s important to only feed your cat the amount of food that it should have to ensure a healthy life. Your cat could become obese and develop some health issues. Take care to feed your cat the correct portion sizes. A balanced, nutritious diet is important.

Cats can be prone to a lot of the same illnesses you get. Since your furry friend is part of the family, you should be aware when something is wrong with his health. Bring him or her to the veterinarian if this is the case. They can determine what is wrong and figure out the proper course of care.

After you read the above information you should have a wealth of cat knowledge at your disposal. This will improve your competency as an owner. A well-cared for cat is much happier where you can both can enjoy a better relationship. Put these tips to use and enjoy the results.