Of all the pets that you could choose to own, cats are on the top of the list. If you’re considering adding a cat to your family, read this article. Keep reading to deepen your knowledge about cats.

Cats need a certain amount of grooming to stay healthy and presentable. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. This leads to a cleaner cat. It’s also helpful in reducing how much cats shed and how often they spit out those dreaded hairballs. Keep your cat looking at its best by grooming it well.

TIP! Ensure that you groom your cat regularly and properly. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often.

Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. Put a breakaway collar on instead. This could help save your cat if it gets caught in a tight spot.

If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. Be sure the name of your cat and your number can be found on the tag.

Never let a cat become bored. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being. Unfortunately, many owners do not realize this important part of ownership. Bored cats are more prone to depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, as well as many other behavioral issues. Make sure you give them lots of toys and room to play. If they stay indoors make sure they have a scratching post for climbing.

TIP! Avoid using dog products on cats. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction.

Prevent crystals from forming in the urine of male cats with the right diet. Passing these crystals is painful and the vet bill to have this corrected is expensive. Choose foods low in magnesium for your cat. Be sure that you read the label. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.

Cats are generally great with kids, though small kids may be too rough. Guide your kids in handling a feline. Teach them which activities are good and how to properly pick your cat up. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.

When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. Advise your children not to let the cat out if it is to be an indoor cat. Make sure your children understand the rules from the get go.

TIP! If you have an outside cat, you need to give it a collar and some identification tags. The collar and tag will make it easier to find the cat if it gets lost.

Cats enjoy climbing on things. For a happy cat, make sure you establish a safe environment for them to scan their surroundings. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.

Never punish a cat for a mess outside of its box. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.

Make sure your cat is always wearing a collar with proper identification tags. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. Cats can be very curious and they may escape out of a door or a window. The tag should have your phone number on it. This is especially true for cats with medical conditions.

TIP! Spray bitter apple on electrical cords to keep cats away from them. Cats who love to chew need to be kept away from cords.

If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. Cats sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. Antibiotics will often do the trick if it is an infection.

Aired Cats

If you are considering a long-haired cat breed then you should also consider the extra maintenance required. Long-haired cats shed constantly, and the fur ends up on your clothing, floors, and everything else in your home. You should not get a cat with long-hair unless you are ready to do a lot of cleaning. Long-haired cats usually suffer from hairball problems too.

TIP! A cat’s claws can cause lots of damage to your home. A kitty tower can really save your furniture.

Are you having a hard time getting rid of cat hair? You have to brush your cat to avoid their shedding. If your cat sheds a lot, brush it a lot. This keeps the coat from matting, too.

If your feline friend is having kittens, make sure to give her lots of room to birth in. It can take several hours for the process to unfold and all kittens to be born, so be prepared to spend some time with your cat. If you suspect that there are more kittens inside your cat and it has been six hours of labor or more, you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.

Some human foods you enjoy often are not good for your cat. Examples of problem foods include garlic, green tomatoes, onions and grapes. If your cat eats these, it may cause him to get really sick or even worse. Even a commonly fed food, milk, can make your kitty ill.

TIP! Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs.

Keep cats inside as much as you can, or at least close to you or your home. It has been proven that indoor cats have a much longer life span than cats that live outdoors. Cats who live indoors are less likely to contract a disease than those who live outdoors.

Don’t ever declaw cats that go outdoors. A clawless cat will have no defense against other animals, and when they’re outside they’ll run risk of death or injury. Indoor cats can be declawed, though. Make sure that only the front claws are removed. Don’t cut the back claws because they won’t scratch up your furniture or floors.

So, you have a cat or you are thinking about getting a cat. They can help you to unwind and can bring you a great deal of comfort. You have to give them all they need to he happy and healthy, though. Make use of this article’s excellent advice to improve the level of care you can provide for your cat.