Cats are magical critters. They are great house pets, seeing as they are so independent and smart. However, taking care of your feline friend is not to be taken lightly. You can educate yourself about helpful tips to care for your cat and keep him happy and healthy by reading this article.

Take your cat in for regular vet exams. Your cat should have regular well visits, as well as all the recommended vaccinations for his age. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.

TIP! Your cat will want to climb into small spaces. 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.

Cats like sneaking into small spaces. 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. Purchase breakaway collars that will give if they are yanked tightly. This can help to save a couple of your cat’s nine lives.

The litter box for your cat needs to be in a good location. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. The area should also be well ventilated so that it doesn’t smell too badly. Your cat will appreciate it and so will you.

Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Read the label. Foods that contain fish usually have more magnesium.

TIP! Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. You should wrap it with a towel and place it under the bed your cat uses.

Set a tablecloth under your cat’s food bowl. It’s a common practice for cats to eat their food on the side of their bowl. If this happens, you’ll have to clear away any excess food that’s left outside. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.

Scratching Post

A battered appearance isn’t a good reason to discard a beloved cat condo or scratching post. It’s in this condition that cats tend to love it the most. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.

TIP! Make sure your cat has a collar if it goes outside. This way, if your cat gets lost and is found by a stranger, that person will know how to contact you.

Before bringing home a long-haired cat, consider the extra care involved. That lovely, silky coat won’t look nearly as good all over your floors as it does on the cat. Don’t adopt a cat with long fur unless you’re sure you can handle the extra cleaning. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.

When your cat is due to deliver babies, ensure that she has a comfortable area with some space. It will take about three to four hours for all of the kittens to come out, so be patient. If the birth takes an excessively long time or you believe a kitten is stuck inside, an immediate visit to the veterinary hospital is essential.

Some food you eat isn’t good to feed your cat. In part, these include garlic, onions and grapes. Your cat can get very sick from eating these foods. Milk also often upsets your cat’s stomach.

TIP! Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. These are very painful and expensive to treat.

If your cat has been declawed, outdoors should be off-limits. Without claws, your cat is essentially defenseless against other animals. This is a dangerous situation for the cat. Indoor cats are the only ones who should be considered for declawing. Make sure that only the front claws are removed. Don’t take the back claws as cats need them to stay balanced.

Don’t give a cat human medications. If your cat is ill, you need to take him to the vet to get proper treatment. Giving your pet medication that was meant for you can hurt them pretty seriously and it may even cause death.

Cats are truly the center of the household. You should go over this article and learn more about how you can take care of your pet. Put the information to good use for your kitty friend so that you can have them in your life for many years to come.