If you want a great pet, a cat is the best type to get. Those who have never owned a cat before would be wise to read the following article. There are plenty of great pieces of advice that would be of use to any potential cat owner below.

Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. Doing it constantly can help you keep their coats clean. It can cut down on shedding and spitting up hairballs, too. Keeping a cat groomed properly can help them and your home look great.

TIP! Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. They have tons of amazing cats who desperately need a home.

Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. Breakaway collars will “break” if they’re pulled too tight. This will help you save your cat’s life.

Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Cats need routine annual check-ups and possibly additional ones as well for vaccinations. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice anything unusual about their health or if they are injured.

Do not use dog products on your cat. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. This will especially be true if it’s a product for fleas. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. You need to separate your pets when you treat them for fleas.

TIP! Good grooming is important for cats. Cats have to be brushed or combed on a regular basis.

Put a collar on any cats which go outside. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. The tag should contain your phone number as well as your cat’s name.

Most cats are very nocturnal. They are often active at nighttime. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of your cats, close the door. This will ensure they don’t pounce on you at nighttime, or wake you up in other ways.

Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Give your cat foods that are low in magnesium. Go over the label carefully. Avoid fish products.

TIP! If your cat is a female, it needs to be spayed when it reaches the appropriate age. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant.

Look online for cat medicine. When an emergency strikes, however, you may not have the option of buying medications on the Internet. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.

Cats love high spots. Elevate your cat so that it can scan the area. If you’re averse to cat trees for some reason, a shelf without breakable items will work. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.

Cats may make a small mess outside their litter box. They’re doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. If your punish your car, he or she is just going to become scared of you.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. Dry food is cheaper, but some wet foods have more benefits. There is more water, more fat and more protein in it. It’s also much softer on older teeth if your cat is getting up there in years. Can food is generally better, but consult your vet first before feeding it to your cat.

Take your cat for vaccinations often to make sure he or she is healthy. Just like kids, kittens must have wellness checks and immunizations periodically to keep health issues and diseases from coming up later. You love your cat, so take the best care of him as possible.

Litter Box

TIP! Think about putting a microchip in your pet. Even an indoor cat may find a way out of your home.

You should worry if your cat is no longer using its litter box. Lots of cat conditions will make it difficult for a cat to defecate or urinate in their litter box. For example, the behavior may be caused by an infection of the kidneys or bladder. Speak with a veterinarian if you have a cat that has these issues.

Put tape on furniture to seal it up. A little strategically-applied tape can discourage your cat from tearing upholstery and scratching furniture. Certain pet stores sell this kind of tape. With this tape and a well-placed scratching post, your feline should stop the bad behavior quickly.

Using flea and tick medicine on your cat is very important to your cat’s well-being. There are a few different medications available. Treatments like these can protect your cat from vermin that can cause diseases or drain its blood. It is important you use a flea or tick formula that is designed for cats. Using the wrong type can poison your cat.

TIP! Don’t allow your cat to get bored too often. Cats should have a lot of exercise and playtime.

Choosing a cat for your pet might be one of the best decisions you will ever make. They are wonderful pets who can be loving and help to relieve stress. However, in order to get this satisfaction you must first understand how to care for the cat. Make sure to utilize the tips above in order to live in peace for a long time.