Cats are a lot of fun to have around, but they are often quite finicky! Every decision you make regarding your pet’s care has a consequence, be it good or bad. Read on for ideas and insights that will benefit you, your cat, and your entire household.

Do not use dog products on your cat. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. This definitely applies to flea products. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. If your dog has been treated for fleas, keep him away from your cat for at least three hours.

TIP! If you’re thinking of getting a cat for a pet, you should look to the local shelter. Shelters have tons of great cats and their adoption fee will generally cover necessary vet care.

If you have an outdoor kitty, make sure to invest in a break away collar with an identification tag. Cats can get lost, and they need a tag to be found. Make sure at a minimum to put your pets name and your phone number on the tag.

The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats. Allow for adequate ventilation to dispel any odors. Your cat will certainly appreciate your efforts, and you will too!

Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. In some situations, you may not have the choice to purchase meds over the Internet, such as a health emergency. For ongoing medical issues, you can buy ahead and save a substantial amount of money online.

TIP! Check-ups are an absolute must for any pet cat. Your vet can give you an idea of your cat’s overall health, in addition to administering any shots it may need.

Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. You may like music loud and booming, but a cat will prefer lower volumes as their ears are more sensitive. To ensure your cat’s trip is pleasant, turn off the music or keep the volume low.

A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. To simplify your clean up duties, place a ready made placemat under the dish or purchase some inexpensive fabric and use it like a tablecloth.

If your cat is excessively meowing, try to figure out why. You need to learn what their meows mean. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

TIP! Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. Most office stores sell a tube that you can stick all of your wires and cords through if the spray doesn’t work.

Just because your family did it when you were a child, does not mean allowing your cat to go outside is a wise decision. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If your cat really wants to go outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. Cats often like the running water more than their own bowl of water. A fountain will allow a cat to drink naturally and is better for the environment.

If you just own one cat but are considering obtaining another one, then you should ensure you allow a few weeks for your old cat and new one to become familiar with each other. Two cats may fight, hiss, or hide from each other until they become more comfortable. With enough time to acclimate themselves to the new arrangement, though, virtually any two cats will become willing, friendly, and perhaps even inseparable companions.

TIP! Try to avoid your cat from becoming bored each day. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case.

Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? Cats shed considerably; therefore, it is very important you brush them frequently. Cats that shed a lot need to be brushed more frequently. This will also help their coat from getting tangled or matted.

Some foods that you enjoy as a human aren’t any good for your cat. In part, these include garlic, onions and grapes. Allowing your cat to eat even a few bites may cause serious illness or even death. Dairy, including milk, is also not a good thing to give your cat.

Cats have a great sense of smell, which helps them easily grasp changes to their environment. It can occur when something new is introduced to the home, like a new water bowl, scratching post or bed. You shouldn’t be disappointed if your cat avoids new items at first. As the smell takes on the smell of your home, your cat will warm up to it.

TIP! Give your kitty lots of love. Cats provide warmth and affection, and they also require the same from you.

Panting is a bad symptom. Panting is dogs is normal. Panting can indicate anxiety or overheating, but it can also mean something quite serious. Do not hesitate to contact a vet, particularly if there has been a history of respiratory problems.

Dry food is great for cats. Kittens need wet food more than adult cats because it’s easier to chew. As they develop adult teeth, the harder dry food helps to keep their teeth strong. Try combining both dry and wet food together should you have a finicky feline.

Health Issues

TIP! Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. This comes quite naturally to them and is not something that is learned.

Overfeeding your cat can result in serious health issues as he ages. If your cat eats too much, it may end up being overweight and have health issues. Watch your cat’s portions and make sure that you feed him a well-balanced diet.

Cats can contract many illnesses that you do. You should be able to recognize when your cat does not feel well. Take your cat to the vet at the first sign of a problem. That will ensure that it is a small infection, rather than a serious issue.

Initially, caring for cats may be simple, but there is a lot of work and love that needs to be given. You should use the tips you just read to become a better cat owner and make sure your cat is happy. The research will reward you both!