After getting their first cat, many families encounter unexpected issues. No one should get a pet without taking the steps to prepare. Lovably unpredictable cats can still come up with ways to flummox even the most well-prepared new owner, though. However, you can plan for as much as possible by considering the useful tips that follow.

If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Shelters all over the country are crowded with marvelous cats, and most provide veterinarian care with the adoption fee.

Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.

Take your cat to the vet every year. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. If your cat is having a health issue or injury, they need to be seen by their vet right away.

Prevent crystals from forming in the urine of male cats with the right diet. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn’t going to enjoy the vet bill. To stop this from happening, make sure your cat’s food doesn’t have much magnesium in it. The best way to find out is to read the label. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.

TIP! Spay your female cat. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat.

Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. The objective is to be as gentle as possible with your cat. The bones of a cat are weaker than a dogs, therefore, they should be handled with care.

Put your cat’s food on a tablecloth. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. Sometimes this will make the area around the bowl messy, and you’ll have to clean it. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.

Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. If the child is younger than 5, don’t leave them alone with a kitten. Young children are not yet mature enough to realize what behaviors are dangerous to a cat. As children get older, decide when they show the maturity to handle a small pet.

Fellow Cat Owners

You can tap fellow cat owners for advice if you’re having problems with your pet. It can really help to get advice from fellow cat owners. You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.

Avoid spending too much time trying to train your cat to utilize its 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.

TIP! Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower.

Every cat loves to have lots of play time. All animals of all ages need to play and a cat is no different. A cats energy might fade over time, but that does not mean that it no longer likes to play. Make sure you spend time doing fun things with your cat.

There is a lot of responsibility involved with a long-haired cat. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. If you don’t mind cleaning, get a long-haired cat. It should also be noted that long haired cats are much more susceptible to hairballs.

The excellent advice provided here is helpful for any cat regardless of its breed or age. You also need to get to know your cat better so you can adapt to its needs and habits. Make sure you find time for fun with your cat because this is very important.