Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world, loved by millions of people. These cats are overpopulated and can be a nuisance. Read on to find out how to care for him.

Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. If yu do this quite often, it will help them stay clean. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. A well groomed cat will be much more pleasant for everyone and will also help you keep your home clean.

TIP! Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. It is possible that a dog’s product could cause a serious adverse effect on a cat.

Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. Give them an alternative. A cat tower near your kitchen can give them a place to watch you that is out of the way.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home. A collar and identification tags can help bring your pet back to you. But experts point out that collars that do not snap apart quickly if your cat gets it caught on a branch or even a bush can accidentally strangle your cat. Microchips are as tiny as a piece of rice and will tell people where the cat belongs. Scanners to read pet microchips are available in every town and they will not come out from under the skin.

Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. Long-haired cats often develop hairballs. If your cat needs assistance with this problem, consider a special diet. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.

TIP! If you take your cat with you when you travel, be mindful of their ears. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears.

Cats and small children may not always mix. Teach your kids the right way to hold a cat. Spend some time showing them how to lift a cat and how they can interact with the cat. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.

If you give your kids a kitten, provide them with firm boundaries at the same time. Let your children know which areas of the house are off-limits for the cat. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.

Are you the proud owner of both a cat and dog? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. If you’re having a problem with this, make your cat’s eating area high enough that your dog cannot reach. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.

TIP! Cats and small children may not always mix. Guide your kids in handling a feline.

Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.

Now you know something about cat care. Cats often attack other pets and tear up your gardens if you don’t watch out. Cats are very sensitive of course, and you should treat them with care. You might even surprise yourself and decide to take a member of the feral litter home with you!