Like people, cats require balanced diets with good nutrition. With poor nutrition, your pet can become bloated and malnourished. This article will teach you how to properly care for your cat.

A tagged collar is essential if you let your cat outside regularly. Cats can roam far, so a tag will ensure you find them quickly when they’re lost. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.

TIP! Cats love to squeeze into tiny spaces. There are ways to make sure that their collar does not get stuck.

Cats will be up during the night more often than not. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. If your cat is keeping you up at night, you should close the door to your bedroom. This should help them from waking you during the night, pouncing on your feet under the covers.

Cats will often devote most of their time to grooming. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. They help the hair pass through by breaking it down.

Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Read the label. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.

TIP! Spray bitter apple on electrical cords. If this does not work, make sure you cover the cords.

Try as hard as you can to understand the reason your cat meows at you. By paying attention, you should eventually learn why your cat is meowing. They may want outside or may be hungry. Be aware of the cues your cat gives you, and the two of you will have a better relationship.

Watch kittens around kids. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. Their immaturity prevents them from understanding how easily they could hurt the kitten. As a kid ages, they can show maturity with handling a little pet.

Litter Box

TIP! Use quality food to prevent crystals from forming in a cat’s urine. Passing those crystals hurts and having this corrected by a vet is expensive.

You should never punish your cat for not using the litter box. Your cat probably did not use the litter box because it is not well taken care of. If you punish the cat, it may shy away from you at future times.

Treat your cat to a good quality cat food. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. Avoid brands that use non-meat fillers like corn. Understand that your cat needs a lot of animal protein to stay healthy.

Anytime you get a new pet, you must introduce them to your cat slowly to help to avoid problems and let the cat get used to it. Keep them separated for at least two weeks, but let them sniff at each other under a closed door. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. Eventually, they become used to each other and are comfortable together.

TIP! Look online for cat medicine. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course.

If your feline stops using a litter box, pay special attention. This could be a side effect of a health problem. A potential bladder or kidney infection may be the reason for this. Speak with your vet if your pet stops using the litter box.

If your feline just won’t use the litter box, try moving it to a different location. Cats often don’t go to the bathroom when they feel vulnerable, so move the litter box somewhere quiet. Good examples are laundry rooms, basements and other areas away from the hustle and bustle of the home.

One way a dog shows affection for his owner is to wag his tail. Cats wag their tails for very different reasons than dogs though. For cats, tail-wagging usually indicates some type of conflict or that he is deciding whether or not to attack or flee from a situation. Likewise, if you are holding your cat, and he suddenly starts to wag his tail, you may need to let him down to avoid swats or scratches to yourself!

TIP! Speak to others about your cat problems. Although you may feel like you don’t need help, other owners may be able to give you good advice.

A cat’s diet is important to its overall health. Eating a poor diet can really harm a cat. Ensure your cat’s longevity and health by providing it with the food it needs.