Cats are in a class of their own when it comes to animals. They are by far one of the best pets for the home. Not only will they keep you entertained, they also can hunt for pests like rodents that may be terrorizing your home. Read on to find out how to care for your kitty.

Keep your cat’s litter box in the right location. Put the litter box in a secluded area, and make sure that it is not near the cat’s food. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Your cat and you will appreciate it.

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

You will often find ways to save money on medication for your cat on the Internet instead of getting it from your vet. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. The savings can amount to almost 50 percent on regularly prescribed medications.

Cats and small children may not always mix. Tell them how to be gentle. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. Cats have weaker bones than dogs so should be treated carefully.

Create a tablecloth just for your cat. Cats often like to remove food from their bowl to eat it off to the side. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.

TIP! Part of caring for your cat is taking it to regular veterinarian checkups. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots.

Are you the proud owner of both a cat and dog? Dogs are known for eating other pet’s food. For this reason, you need to place your cat’s bowl in an area that is to high for a dog to reach. This will prevent the two from fighting over the water when the food dishes are empty.

Watch kittens around kids. A child under five should not be left alone with a pet. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As your child matures, carefully consider whether a small pet is safe with them.

Be sure to brush or comb your cat’s fur on a regular basis. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin’s blood flow. It can help decrease the amount of loose hair as well. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.

TIP! Dog products shouldn’t be used on cats. Some can be quite dangerous, and even deadly, when used on a cat.

If your cat relieves itself somewhere other than its litter box, it shouldn’t be punished. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.

You should give your cat at least three weeks to grow used to the presence of a new animal. They may be leery of each other at first and fight. However, if you allow them to slowly get used to each other, they will eventually become friends.

Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. In many cases, cheap antibiotics will resolve the problem and keep your cat healthy.

TIP! Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. Purchase a scratching post to stop your cat from destroying your home.

Play is something that all cats need to do. Actually playtime is very common for all animals, especially cats and people despite their age. Kitties who are senior citizens may not be super energetic, but they still enjoy playing. Take time and play with your cat regularly.

Where did you put the litter box? Many people want it in an out of the way spot. The thing to remember is that your cat must have easy access to the box. Cats are quite finicky, so it is important to make their bathroom environment appealing them them or risk messes throughout the house. Keeping litter boxes on cement floors that are cold can be remedied by placing a rug or mat under it.

While you might not consider a cat a great hunter like a guard dog, the cat eliminates smaller pests, has the motivation and is much more family-friendly. Cats can provide your home with a peaceful serenity, which dogs rarely do. It’s easy to see why so many people have fallen for the company of cats.