When they take in a cat for the first time, many families run into challenges they never considered beforehand. It is a bad idea to get your pet first and then make plans. But, it is impossible to predict every potential issue that may arise. The best plan is to use the tips in this article to prepare yourself and then expect to be surprised.

Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.

TIP! Regular vet visits are very important for your cat’s health. Your cat should have a health check yearly, but should go in more if your cat needs shots.

A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. It might take time, but eventually you will see that the damage to your furniture is diminished.

Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. It can be painful to pass these crystals and your vet bill will be priced accordingly. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Take a look at the food’s label. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.

When you get a kitten for kids, you have to set up a few rules first. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. By getting these rules into place before having a cat, you’ll be sure that your children can understand.

TIP! Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs.

If you’re thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors. There is a chance your cat can contract fleas or perhaps something much worse. Cats can also be hunted by other animals, stolen or hit by passing vehicles. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

Do you own a dog and a cat? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat’s food. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach. This will help you to be sure that the animals won’t fight over the water either after they’ve eaten all their food.

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Many people believe that taking your cat to the box and rubbing their paws in the litter is a good idea, but it may actually traumatize them.

TIP! Spraying the electrical cords in your home with a bitter apple solution helps keep the cats from chewing on them. Most office stores sell a tube that you can stick all of your wires and cords through if the spray doesn’t work.

Make sure your cat has identification and a collar all the time. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats can be very curious and they may escape out of a door or a window. Tags should include contact information for you and your vet. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.

Your cat needs good play time. Play is necessary for all mammals no matter the age or species. While older cats aren’t near as energetic, they still enjoy playing often. Make an effort to have playtime with your cat regularly.

Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. Even though that nice coat of beautiful silky fur looks great, it can leave a mess on your floors, furniture and clothing. Unless you’re committed to taking care of the furry mess, avoid getting cat with long hair. Long-haired cats also often have hairballs.

TIP! Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime.

Do you feel like everywhere you turn you are surrounded by your cats hair? Cats shed considerably; therefore, it is very important you brush them frequently. The more your cat sheds, the more often you want to give them a good brushing. It’s also a great aid to keeping the cat’s coat as pristine as possible.

Keep an eye out on panting. Understand that dogs panting is normal; however, this is not the case for cats. If your cat is panting it may be overheated or having anxiety. It may also be something that is a lot more serious than those things. Talk to a vet right away when panting persists.

No matter what cat you have, these tips can work to train them. You have learned basic information that makes raising a cat much easier. Remember though, everyone’s cat and circumstances are different requiring certain adjustments. If you’re not having fun after you adopt a cat, there is a serious problem.