Like humans, cats must eat healthy foods that will provide them with the nutrients they require.If If you cat doesn’t get taken care of properly, health issues could occur. The following article will teach you what your cat’s diet should look like.

Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. Passing these crystals is painful and the vet bill to have this corrected is expensive. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Go over the label carefully. Poultry products will tend to have lower amounts than seafood based products.

TIP! Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age.

Before you consider buying a kitten for your children, make sure clear boundaries are set before you bring the kitten home. Make sure the children know where the cat is and is not allowed to roam. If you want your cat to stay indoors, then the children must understand the seriousness of never letting it out. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.

Cats love heights. To keep your cat happy, offer him a spot of his own up high where he can survey his kingdom. You can give your cat on a shelf to accomplish this. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.

Litter Box

TIP! Be sure you have a vet that your cat sees regularly so it stays healthy. Your cat should always go to the vet for a check up, especially if they need shots.

Don’t think that you can teach a cat to use its litter box. This comes quite naturally to them and is not something that is learned. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.

If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. Many times, this is caused by failure to properly clean or place the litter 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.

Feeding your cat different types of food helps ensure they don’t get finicky. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats can have strong negative reactions to a product that is formulated for a dog.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats that live in the wild like drinking from running water, and they have the same desires in a home. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. Running sink water is another alternative that you can use. A drinking fountain designed for your cat is the ideal solution to keep the cat happy.

You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. This is crucial even if the cat lives inside. Cats are endlessly curious and may head out an open door or window. The tag your cat wears should display your number and your veterinarian’s information. This is also vital if your animal has health issues.

If your cat or kitten begins to urinate frequently or in places other than his litter box, a trip to the vet may be in order. This is likely to be something that should be looked after. Inexpensive antibiotics generally clear this right up.

TIP! Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You cat is used to being at home and it might shock him to hear you singing at the top of your lungs.

Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. Your first instinct will be to put it in a nook or cranny so that you won’t see or smell it. The litter box needs to be placed in a spot that your cat can reach very easily. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. If the litter box is kept on a cement floor, then place a rug or mat underneath it.

Any difference in the environment of your home is easily detected by the keen sense of smell that your cat possesses. Sometimes this causes problems if you introduce a new food dish, bed, or scratching post. Do not be concerned if your cat does not accept these new items immediately. As the item becomes a part of your home’s natural smell, your cat will become more comfortable with it.

Keep an eye out on panting. Dogs pant as a way to release heat from their bodies. While panting can be a sign that your cat is overheated or anxious, it can also be a sign of something much more serious. If your cat is panting, and has a history of breathing problems, call your vet for advice.

Adult Cats

Dry food is best for adult cats. Kittens need wet food more than adult cats because it’s easier to chew. Hard, dry food is best for grown-up cats because it helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. Try also mixing together dry and wet food if you’ve got a picky cat.

Cats can be prone to a lot of the same illnesses you get. Because your pet is a family member, you are around them enough to know when they are not feeling very good. If so, be sure and make an appointment with your vet. A well-informed vet can tell you exactly what’s wrong and if immediate care is necessary.

TIP! A tablecloth for the feeding area can be quite useful. Certain cats prefer removing their food from their bowl and putting it on the side to eat it.

If you want to do your best to keep your cat free from ticks, rabies or animal bites, keep him indoors. Outdoor cats are much more likely to encounter these type of dangers than cats who are kept inside.

Your cat’s diet is very important to the overall state of his health. Eating too much of the wrong foods, or too little of the right foods can put your cat in terrible shape, and even cut their life span. Therefore, ensure you provide your cat with plenty of high-quality food so that it enjoys a long life span.