Is there a feline member of your family? Chances are, you know just how remarkable a cat can be. Cats need a ton of care. Thankfully, you can give your cat all he needs. This article will offer you some great tips and advice that will help you to meet all of your cats needs.

If you plan on getting a cat for a pet, try looking into a local shelter. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering. By choosing a cat from an animal shelter, you can do your part to help with overpopulation. Also, you become a lifesaver!

TIP! Make sure your cat is always groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat.

Groom your cat. Cats need to be combed or brushed regularly. If you do this often, their coat will stay clean. Having a clean fur coat helps reduce the amount of hairballs that get spit up around the house. A well-groomed feline looks great on their own, but also helps keep a home well-groomed too.

If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.

Put the litter box in an ideal location. Never put the box near your cat’s food, and pick a quiet place away from areas that are heavily used. Choose an area that is well-ventilated to avoid bad smells. This will keep both you and your cat happy.

TIP! Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. It is necessary for them to play and get exercise.

Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Choose a low magnesium food. Read the label. Products that have fish in them have more magnesium usually when compared to products with poultry.

Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. If this occurs, you will have a mess on your hands. Put a placemat under the bowl, or even some fabric so cleaning up is a snap.

When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. You can then teach your kids which areas your cat can go into. If you’re planning on keeping your kitty inside full time, make sure your kids know their pet shouldn’t go outdoors. Setting up rules ahead of time can help your kids understand better.

TIP! Look online for cat medicine. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency.

Cats have a love affair with heights. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.

It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. A lot of people think that they can take their cat and try to rub their cat’s paws on the litter, but this may just traumatize the cat.

You should never punish your cat for not using the litter box. Usually, this sort of thing happens when the box isn’t being tended to properly. If your pet is punished, you won’t do anything but make it afraid of you.

TIP! There is no need to spend hours trying to litter train your cat. This is something that comes naturally and is not learned.

Your cat is a beloved pet that you want to ensure you are taking care of. This article has provided you with the knowledge needed to properly care for your pet. Use these tips for a happier cat. If you show your cat love, you can be certain it will return the favor.