Just like many other types of pets, a cat has needs that the responsible owner must attend to. It is important to take good care of your cat, including grooming, feeding her properly and of course giving her plenty of attention. A little extra care and attention is needed to keep them looking good. The following information will help you learn more about all aspects of cat care.

Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. A breakaway collar has the ability to release its hold if the cat pulls tightly on it. This kind of collar can turn a potentially-dangerous situation into a merely exasperating one.

TIP! Make frequent checkups with your vet to keep your cat healthy. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease.

If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. You can prevent this by spaying or neutering your cat.

Make sure your cat sees a vet regularly to maintain their good health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats need to see a vet right away if they have health issues, injuries or conditions that require immediate attention.

Flea Products

TIP! Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. If they have a collar on, this can be dangerous.

Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. Flea products should not be used on cats in any circumstance. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.

Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. It doesn’t happen overnight but with some patience, you should be able to save your house from the claws.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Tags and collars are great, but they don’t always stay on your cat. They can also be a risk, should they get snagged on something. A microchip, on the other hand, is inserted near your cat’s shoulder blades, takes only a second to do, and all of your current contact info can be read through the chip. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

TIP! Consider having your cat fitted with a microchip. Even indoor cats may get out of your home at some point.

The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. You shouldn’t keep it near your pet’s food, and you shouldn’t keep it in an area people walk through a lot. To minimize odors, keep it in a spot that’s well ventilated. Both you and your cat will reap its benefits.

Often, the best cat medicine deals are found online. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. But, for routine medications, this can be a budget-saver.

When you purchase a kitten for your child, set rules and boundaries beforehand. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. Setting the rules in advance will ensure your children understand.

TIP! Most cats tend towards nocturnal behavior. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night.

Discuss any issues you have with your pet with others. You can often get great advice from friends and family. The Internet has many cat forums where you can ask your questions, or simply speak with your vet.

Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. Cats tend to enjoy a scratching toy more after they’ve gotten comfortable with it and made it their own. If you toss it away in favor of something newer, your cat may look for something older to scratch, and that may end up being your furniture.

Drinking Fountain

TIP! Your kitty’s litter box requires strategic placement. The box should be out of the high traffic areas and a good distance from where your cat eats.

Provide your cat with a drinking fountain. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. The drinking fountain will look more inviting than a water bowl. Really, there are many cats that would much prefer to drink from a running sink faucet as opposed to their own bowl. A drinking fountain provides a more natural and environmentally friendly way for your cat to drink.

Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. Even if it’s an indoor cat, this is important. Cats are inquisitive and will explore an open door or window if it is presented to them. Those tags can help if someone finds your kitty. Make sure your info and your vets info is on it. If your kitty has medical conditions, this information can be a life saver.

Litter Box

TIP! Grooming is something that most cats do all the time. Your cat’s long hair can cause hair balls.

Think about where you want to put the litter box. You may want to place in some out-of-the-way corner so the smell doesn’t bother anyone. Make sure your cat can easily reach the litter box at all times. It helps to make life easy for the cat, as they can be quite picky about things. If the litter box is kept on a cement floor, then place a rug or mat underneath it.

You cat will look much better after it has been well groomed. It is your job to do what you can to keep your feline friend healthy, happy, and comfortable. The cat will love any grooming you do. Utilize this article to ensure your cat remains properly groomed.