Cats are amazing creatures. They are very intelligent and will definitely surprise you once you get to know the cat you adopted better. Unfortunately, caring for a cat is not always simple. Read on to find out how to properly care for your cat.

Make sure your cat is always groomed. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. Removing excess hair also reduces shedding and can prevent hairballs. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.

TIP! If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant.

Cats will try to get into many different crevices. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. Breakaway collars are made to come off if tugged on vigorously. This kind of collar can turn a potentially-dangerous situation into a merely exasperating one.

If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.

It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. When used on your cat, flea products for dogs can be lethal. After getting the dog treated, keep the cat away for many hours.

TIP! Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower.

Put bitter apple on all electrical cords. Keep your cords covered if you feel like your cat is hellbent on chewing them. Any loose cords should be bundled up and placed in things like paper towel rolls. If you have rarely used electronics, put them up when you aren’t using them.

Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. In other words, they’ll be up and about late into the night. One way to deal with a kitten’s playful activity at night is just to shut your door. It also protects your toes from those crafty midnight pounces.

Cats are known for spending inordinate amounts of time grooming themselves. Long hair encourages hairballs. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Some cat food out there has a special formula in it that reduces hairballs. This benefits your pet and you.

TIP! A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. 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.

Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. But, if your cat is on a regular medication, you can save quite a bit by buying it online.

Are you a cat and dog owner? Dogs will eat cat food right up. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This will help you to be sure that the animals won’t fight over the water either after they’ve eaten all their food.

Use care if you have kids and a cat. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. Little children do not have the necessary skills yet to handle a pet by themselves. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.

TIP! Being nocturnal is quite normal for cats. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark.

Brush your cat regularly. This keeps the fur well oiled and the skin healthy. Additionally, brushing helps to expedite hair shedding. Avoid the choking that can be a result of hairballs which slowly build up as your cat grooms himself.

Scratching Post

Although you might find its appearance unappealing, don’t toss a scratching post when it’s getting particular worn and frazzled. It may not look as nice, but cats love a scratching post with some wear and tear. Removing the post could cause your cat to look for something else scratch, possibly damaging your furniture.

TIP! Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food.

Get your cat a drinking fountain. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. The drinking fountain will look more inviting than a water bowl. You have perhaps noticed that your cat enjoys drinking from the running sink. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.

Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. Even if your cat is a house cat, this is still a good idea. Cats are curious creatures and an open door or window is likely to be explored. Tags with your veterinarian’s info and your contact number should be worn. This is also essential if they have specific medical needs.

A cat is a great pet for your family, but you need to learn how to take good care of your pet. Pay close attention to the tips from this article. Then put your new knowledge to use.