If you own a cat, or want one, you know how special they are. Therefore, you need to make sure your cat is well-behaved and sanitary. Knowing more about cat care can make your relationship more enjoyable. Read these tips to help your cat live a long and healthy life.

Small places are spots cats love to get into. If you keep a collar on your pet, getting stuck in one of these spaces can be very dangerous. A breakaway collar let’s go if pulled on tightly. This will allow your cat to live another day if it gets tangled up.

TIP! It is always important to take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Cats need yearly shots and overall health assessments.

It’s not easy convincing your pet that the kitchen counter is a no-cats zone. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see what’s going on around the house. You can control this tendency a bit by making high places in the house that you feel comfortable having your cat utilize. One way to keep your cats from continuously jumping on the counter is to install a cat tower near the problem counter.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Even if you put a collar or tag on your cat, be careful as they can wiggle out of these very easily and can be dangerous if they get caught on a foreign object like a tree branch. Your name and the best way to contact you can be encoded on the chip, which is tiny. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.

Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. There are many dangers to your cat outside. They can get fleas, feline AIDS or even leukemia. They can get in a fight or be hit by a car. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill.

There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. A common misconception is to rub your cats paws into the kitty litter however this isn’t a good idea.

If your cat has a scratching post that is beginning to look worn, don’t get rid of it. The cats loves it the most in this condition. By removing the old item and replacing it with a new one, your cat may try to find another item to scratch. This could end up being furniture.

Cats Prefer

TIP! Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower.

Get your cat a drinking fountain. In nature, a cat prefers to drink from running streams. House cats prefer this as well. Cats generally respond better to a stream of water. Actually, you will see many cats prefer running tap water from the sink instead of the water bowl. A fountain will allow your cat to drink like he or she is in the wild.

Provide your cat with canned food rather than dry. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. Your cat can get more water, fat and protein from canned food. If your cat is getting older, canned food is easier to chew as well. Speak with your vet to determine the proper course of action to take.

Let your cat take its time when you add a new cat to your home. They might have conflict, hide from each other or swat one another. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.

TIP! Your cat needs love and attention. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same.

Long-haired breeds are pretty, but understand how much work they are before you get one. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. Don’t get such a cat unless you are prepared for the extra commitment they take over regular cats. Long haired cats often have hairball problems.

Keep your cat’s vaccinations and checkups up to date with the vet. Your cat needs to get some shots regularly to prevent different illnesses and parasites. Your cat is a family member and ought to be treated as such.

Litter Box

TIP! Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. These crystals can cause a lot of pain to your cat and could end up costing you a lot in medical expenses.

If your pet is avoiding its litter box, try moving it to a different spot. Cats perceive using the bathroom as an activity that makes them vulnerable, so moving the litter box to a less-trafficked area means your cat is more likely to use it. A basement, laundry room, or another area that doesn’t experience much household traffic is the ideal spot for the litter box.

Give your cat a collar that features your contact information. Even a house cat may get outside. If your cat does get out, make sure that it can get home.

Don’t give your cat medicine that is meant for humans. If they have health issues, see a vet and give them what they provide. Giving pets medicine that is intended for humans can harm them, and possibly cause death.

Sticky Tape

Put sticky tape on furniture. A bit of sticky tape on your cat’s favorite scratching spot can quickly make the act less enjoyable for them. You can find tape specifically made for this at many pet stores. You can put this tape on your furniture and get a scratching post to get your cat out of this habit.

All animals can get parasites, and cats are no exception. These parasites won’t go away until you take action. You can take measures to get rid of or even prevent parasites. Your cat is sure to thank you.