Cats are fantastic pets, but there are certain things you need to know to care for them in the best way possible. Education on the best way to care for a cat is the most important step in cat ownership. You’ll pick up more than a few great tips on caring for a cat in the article below.

If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Even if you have an indoor female cat, if it escapes when it’s in heat it could get you a bunch of kittens you weren’t planning on having. Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.

TIP! Don’t let your cat near drape cords. Cats should not be allowed to play with these cords, as they can get parts of their body stuck in the cord loops.

In order to be sure your cat is healthy, take them to their vet regularly. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.

If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.

You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. A tagged collar might help get kitty home, but it can just as easily come off if snagged on a branch. A microchip about as big as a grain of rice and holds all the contact information your cat needs. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.

Litter Box

The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. The litter box should not be kept in an area with a lot of traffic. In addition, it does not need to be near the cat’s food. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Your kitty will thank you.

Cats frequently groom themselves. Hairballs are more common in long-haired cats. There is a special food on the market that does help out with hairball issues. Some food are produced specifically for hairball reduction, which will help.

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

Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. Just as in the grocery store, take the time to read the labels. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.

Find cat medicine online if you want to get discounts. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance. But, if your cat is on a regular medication, you can save quite a bit by buying it online.

Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. It’s easier to clean up this food by purchasing a placement and inserting it under your cat’s food bowl, or you could simply cut some fabric and make it into a tablecloth so you can easily pick up the food and throw it away.

TIP! A cat can do a lot of damage to your furniture with its claws. You need to get a scratching post or a cat tower to prevent your cat from ruining your furniture.

Proper care of your pet cat is essential to his happiness and yours. If you’re going to own a cat and be responsible about it you should reread this article and use the information that is in it. Using proper love and care, your cat can enjoy a healthy and great life.