Cats are one of the most popular and best loved pets in the world. Those new to cat ownership or just interested in cat care should read the following tips. Here you are going to find some ideas on how to properly care for a cat so he or she can live a happy life.

Properly groom your cat. Regular combing and brushing is usually all that is required. Do this often in order to aid in keeping your cat’s outer coat clean and healthy. It can cut down on shedding and spitting up hairballs, too. Cat grooming will not only keep kitty looking great, but it will also help to reduce the effort spent picking up cat hair around the home.

TIP! If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. You may believe that this is unnecessary if your cat stays inside all the time; however, cats almost always find a way to get outside, especially when they are in heat.

Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If they’ve got a collar on, this may put them in danger as it can get stuck. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. This could save your cat’s life!

Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. Your cat will probably be very active during the night. Shut the door to your bedroom. This helps to muffle the sounds of nighttime play. This will reduce the frequency that they wake you up.

Prevent crystals from forming in the urine of male cats with the right diet. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you. Food with a low magnesium content will help. The best way to find out is to read the label. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.

TIP! Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. Cats enjoy high places so they can see what is happening around them.

There needs to be set boundaries with your children and a new kitty. Make sure your kids know where the cat can be. If you’re raising an indoor cat, inform your kids that the cat can’t go outside. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.

Do you happen to own both a dog and a cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. This makes it a good idea to have a cat feeding place high up enough that your dog can’t get to it. This will ensure they don’t fight over food or water, too.

You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. Although you might want to attempt to handle the problem yourself, other cat owners can provide you with excellent advice that may help you to resolve it. Your vet is a great source of advice, or you can find forums on the Internet to connect with other cat owners.

TIP! Don’t let your cat’s days pass without stimulation and excitement! Play is important to the health and vitality of your cat. But, too many cat owners fail to realize this.

Don’t stress yourself out about instructing your cat on proper litter box usage. This is natural to them and does not need to be taught. Certain techniques, such as rubbing the paws of your cat in the litter could actual traumatize your cat.

Give your cat a good brushing regularly. This will spread a cat’s oils from their fur and help blood flow from within their skin. Additionally, brushing helps to expedite hair shedding. This will help to eliminate hairballs, which build in your cat’s stomach and prevents it from grooming itself.

You won’t be sorry that you chose a cat for your new companion. They can really be comforting. Having said this, in order to actually enjoy your cat, you need to be aware of how to properly care for for your cat. Try these tips and advice, and you will enjoy many years with your cat.