Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, loved by millions of people. If you are going to be a cat owner, you must learn how to take care of your cat. Many businesses lose customers and money because of these cats.

Cats like to get into all sorts of small spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free. A breakaway collar is a good option since it will break if your cat pulls on it. Purchasing one could be the difference between whether your cat lives or dies when he gets stuck.

TIP! Your cat needs to be groomed properly. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis.

Don’t give a cat a dog’s product. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Your cat may die if you use dog flea products on it. In fact, it is a good idea to separate your cat and dog for a few hours after your dog has taken flea medication.

Cats can really scratch up your home. If your cat is ripping up and shredding your home, invest in a kitty tower or scratching post. They can scratch this instead. It might not happen overnight, but the problem should eventually stop.

It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window. Collars or tags can identify your cat, but cats can wiggle out of those, and they are also at risk of getting hung up on something. A teeny microchip can hold your contact information. All shelters and vets have scanners to ensure your cat gets home safely.

TIP! Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs.

You might find that your cat sleeps all day and wants to be active at night. This means nighttime is an active time for your cat. If your cats are busy keeping you awake early, just close your bedroom door. This way, they can’t disturb you while you sleep.

Your cat most likely spends quite a bit of time grooming. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. To fix this problem, you can try buying a new food. Some cat foods are specially formulated to help reduce hairballs, which is good for both you and your pet.

A proper diet for male cats will help prevent kidney problems that cause them to pass crystals with their urine. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Your cat’s food should be low in magnesium. Always read labels. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.

TIP! The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats.

Cat medications can be bought affordable online. In an emergency, however, this might not be possible. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.

Set boundaries for your children when it comes to having a cat as a pet. Make sure your children are aware of rooms that are open to your cat. If your have an indoor-only cat, be sure the kids understand that the cat is not to go outside. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.

You can now work against those stray cats and defend your residence. Cats can harm other pets, damage gardens and summon other cats. Just remember that cats are delicate creatures that need to always be handled with love and affection. Maybe you’ll find one you fall in love with.