Are you a cat owner? If so, then you understand just how precious it is. Cats are living beings that requite care and affection. Luckily, you can do all of this. This article will discuss some great cat care ideas.

Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. This will ensure they know the history of your cat well.

TIP! Give your cat lots of attention and love. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same.

Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. They need a check-up and possibly vaccinations. If your cat is having a health issue or injury, they need to be seen by their vet right away.

Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. Flea products especially. Dog products that are flea related can kill a cat. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.

Cats are partially nocturnal. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. If your busy kitties are keeping you up into the wee hours, try simply closing your bedroom door. Your cat will not bother you in the middle of the night if this area is off limit.

TIP! It is likely that your feline friend enjoys grooming his fur. Long hair encourages hairballs.

Feeding your male cat the proper food can help prevent crystals from forming in his urine. It is painful for your cat to pass these crystals and the cost to have this treated by a vet is high. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Read the labels. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.

Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. It is important that you teach children how to properly interact with a new cat. Show them how to gently pick kitty up and what kinds of activities are appropriate. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.

Litter Box

TIP! Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money.

You shouldn’t be training your cats for litter box use. This is the sort of thing which flows naturally. A lot of people think that rubbing a cat’s paws in its litter box may help them, but in reality, it can be damaging to them.

Brush your cat daily. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. Furthermore, it helps reduce all the loose hair. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.

You cat will not be likely to be a finicky eater if you vary the type of food you are feeding from time to time. By giving them one kind of food all the time, it will be all they want to eat.

TIP! Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. There may be times when you cannot purchase medication online, such as in an emergency; however, monthly medication, such as flea medicine, can be bought online.

Make sure your cats always have identification tags on. This is even true for indoor cats. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Tags that list your contact number and vet’s name need to be worn. This precaution is especially important when your cat has an existing medical condition.

Cats need to have play in their life. Playing is a very common activity shared by most animals. Your old cat will not play as much but will still appreciate the excitement. Enjoy your cat every day.

Do not let a declawed cat outside. Without claws, the cat cannot defend against other animals, which can lead to real issues. Cats should only be declawed if they’re going to be inside fulltime. Even so, only remove the front claws when you do so. Leaving the back claws is no problem since they won’t scratch your furniture or floors.

TIP! Sometimes children get too excited when playing with a new cat and may mishandle them. You need to show your children how the cat should be treated.

Cats’ powerful olfactory abilities mean that they can smell changes in their home. When you give them a new toy, bed, food or scratching post, this can be an issue. Don’t fret if your cat doesn’t use the items right away. Once the cat gets used to the smell of the new item, quickly he or she will get accustomed to it.

Health Problems

One easy way to prevent a lot of potential feline health problems down the road is to refrain from over-feeding your cat. Overeating can cause your cat to become obese and susceptible to health problems. Pay attention to the portions your cat eats and choose your cat food very carefully.

TIP! Is there a dog in your home, as well as a cat? A dog may enjoy eating your cat’s food when he has the chance to do so. Therefore, your cat’s food bowl should be placed in a high location that is out of your dog’s reach.

Apply some sticky tape to your furniture. Cats will avoid scratching furniture if it is equipped with sticky tape. Certain pet stores sell this kind of tape. Place sticky tape on your furniture and install a scratching post in order to kick this bad habit.

Keep an eye out for holes in your house you’d prefer your cat stay away from. Cats have the ability to get through small spaces. Kittens especially can fit into small spaces. This is essential when you purchase a new cat. Get holes repaired or covered up as you find them.

Reconsider giving a cat table scraps. Human food isn’t always good for cats. A great treat for your cat is a little bit of egg or cooked beef or chicken. However, if you’re feeding your cat the right food, he is getting the correct nutrition.

TIP! Don’t leave a kitten with small kids. A child less than five years old should not be left alone with a small pet.

Keep your cat protected from fleas and ticks. There are a few different medications available. Fleas and ticks can cause disease in your cat, and using one of these medications is the best way to prevent that. Protect your cat by purchasing products that are formulated exclusively for felines.

Your cat is a member of your family and his well-being is important to you. Since looking at this piece, you have a better understanding of how to properly care for your cat. Use these tips for a happier cat. Love your cat, and in return, it will love you.