Cats are intriguing animals and can make wonderful pets. Cats are very independent animals, but they still need you to take good care of them. Use the great cat tips discussed in this article to learn everything you need to do to make sure that your cat lives a healthy and enjoyable life.

Keep your cat properly groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. If this is done frequently, your cat’s coat will be much cleaner. It will reduce shedding, which means that they won’t be experiencing a ton of hairballs. A cat that is well-groomed is one that looks the best at home.

TIP! Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. If your pet is wearing a breakaway collar, it’ll detach if it’s pulled too hard. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.

Think about having a microchip inserted in your cat. Even indoor cats get out sometimes. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. The majority of veterinarians possess scanners that can read your chips. Because these chips are placed underneath your cat’s skin, they won’t get lost.

Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Feed cats food that’s low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.

TIP! Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower.

Create a tablecloth for the feline. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.

Why is your cat meowing? After living with your cat for long, it’s easier to interpret its meows. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. You’ll learn her cues quickly.

Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. It can be unsafe. Your cat may get fleas or something even worse than that. Cats can also be hunted by other animals, stolen or hit by passing vehicles. If you need to let your cat out of the house, be sure it’s in a safe place.

TIP! Cats are often nocturnal creatures. This refers to the fact that they are usually more active at night.

Brush your cat’s coat often. Brushing spreads natural oils through the fur and also stimulates circulation. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. This will help to eliminate hairballs, which build in your cat’s stomach and prevents it from grooming itself.

High quality cat food is important to your cat. Check out the ingredients, and make sure it includes protein, such as meat, as the first item in the list. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. The main part of a cat’s diet should be meat protein, so his cat food should be mostly real meat.

Litter Box

TIP! When purchasing a tiny kitty as gift for the kids, it’s best to establish boundaries well ahead of the arrival. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in.

Move the litter box if your cat won’t use it. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. Basements, laundry rooms and other quiet spots are best.

When dogs are excited their tails wag from side to side. Cats wag their tail for a different reason. If your cats tail is wagging, it could indicate that the animal is facing a fight-or-flight situation. It also suggests possible conflict or uncertainty. If you’re snuggling your kitty and you see its tail wag, it’s a sign you should put it down before you get scratched.

Cats are wonderful pets due to their independence and intelligence. All cat owners should know how to care for their cats in the best ways. The next time you interact with your cat, remember what you’ve just read. Then, your cat can really enjoy a full and fun life.