Cats are terrific, but are quite particular. When it comes to cats, you have to be aware of many things in order to properly raise it. Continue reading to learn excellent tips on properly providing for your cat.

Shop at your local pet shelter for your next cat. There are so many great cats at shelters. The fee you will have to pay typically includes vet care. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.

TIP! You should make sure your cat stays groomed properly. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling.

If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when 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. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.

Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Cats are known to have severe negative reactions when exposed to products designed for dogs. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.

If you cat is overly vocal, try to figure out exactly why he or she is making so much noise. If you stay around a cat for a period of time you will figure out what their verbal cues mean. They may want outside or may be hungry. Be aware of the cues your cat gives you, and the two of you will have a better relationship.

TIP! Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If they are wearing a collar this can pose a safety risk, in the event that your cat gets stuck.

Do you have both a cat and dog? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This will also prevent squabbles between them.

Cats enjoy climbing on things. Allow them the space they need to feel safe while checking their world out. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. Adding a small pillow or blanket to the spot for napping will be very much appreciated too.

Litter Box

TIP! You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food.

It’s important to let your cat see where you place the litter box, but it’s not always a good idea to force your cat to learn how to use it. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. A lot of people think that rubbing a cat’s paws in its litter box may help them, but in reality, it can be damaging to them.

Brush your cat at regular times. It really helps move natural oils around the cat’s fur, and it improves blood flow. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet’s stomach and they later cough it up.

Don’t throw away your cat’s old scratching post. When a post is worn, your cats may enjoy it more. Cats may well try scratching something else entirely (like your furniture!) if you replace their beloved toy with something unfamiliar.

TIP! Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you.

New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. They may seem like they’re fighting all the time. But, eventually, they will get used to the idea, and begin to tolerate, and even enjoy, each other’s company.

Frequent or misdirected urination may warrant a trip to your vet’s office. Many cats develop these behaviors in response to a health problem, such as urinary tract infections. Affordable antibiotics can solve concerns that may otherwise be quite serious.

Does it feel like your home is overrun with your cat’s hair? Cats are big shedders, so you should brush them frequently. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. Frequent brushing or combing keeps the cat from getting a tangled, matted coat.

TIP! Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive.

Dogs wag tails out of joy. While cats are also prone to tail wagging, they do it for very different reasons. Tail-wagging in a cat usually means a conflict or that they’re deciding to flee or pounce regarding a situation. If your cat wags his tail while you’re holding him, putting him down keeps you safe.

Panting is not a normal response for a cat. Panting is a normal thing in dogs. Your cat will pant if it is nervous or overheated but it could also be the sign of a more serious health problem. Call your vet, especially if you cat has a history of respiratory problems.

Taking care of cats may seem simple at first, and if you’re lucky enough to get one that doesn’t present any issues they are, but most require a lot of attention, TLC and a few vet check-ups. Take what you have learned here and apply it to being a successful and happy pet owner. The time that you spent reading this article will be worth it.