Cats are wonderful and unique pets. You can find a cat in pretty much every city and in many homes. Living indoors with cats is a different thing completely. This article will show you how to enjoy your cat every day.

If you want to have the love of a cat, get one from a shelter. Shelters have a lot of cats in them and you can get one adopted for a small fee. Rescuing a cat can end up making a big difference in both of your lives.

Litter Box

Pick the right location for your cat’s litter box. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. In addition, you should ensure you place the litter box in a well-ventilated area to minimize the smell. Both your cat and you will appreciate this.

Most cats spend a large amount of time on grooming themselves. If your cat is long haired, this may cause hairballs. Special food can help. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.

TIP! Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease.

Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. Your cat will experience considerable pain when he has to pass these crystals, and it’s not an easy (or cheap) problem for your veterinarian to fix. Choose a low magnesium food. Take a look at the food’s label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.

Be careful as small kids may treat kittens too roughly. Always train your child the proper way to handle a pet. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. The bones of a cat are weaker than a dogs, therefore, they should be handled with care.

Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? A dog will probably end up eating the cat’s food if it gets the chance. Feed your pets in different areas of the house, and monitor them while they eat. This will help prevent any fights that may occur between your animals.

TIP! Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Understand that cats may travel a long distance; therefore, if it gets lost, this tag will assist you and others in finding it.

If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? You can locate forums about cats online if you search for them. On these forums you can ask for advice, or you can just speak with a vet.

Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. Using the litter box is instinctual for cats, and they require no training. Many people think rubbing a cat’s paws in litter will teach them to use the litter box, but it might actually traumatize them.

Cats may make a small mess outside their litter box. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.

TIP! It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them.

While a torn up scratching post might look unattractive, do not get rid of it. 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.

Make sure that you play with your cat as often as possible. Of course, all mammals like to play, regardless of age or species. Although older cats won’t be as active as younger cats, they still need a little exercise. Therefore, be sure you set some time for playing with your cat.

Getting the upper hand with the cat will get easier after following this advice. Soon, they will learn where to go and where to stay away from. Although it may be difficult to train a cat, in actuality they are just as likely to be well-behaved and trained as your typical dog.