There is no end to the joys of cat ownership. It must be remembered that owning cats requires plenty of work. As the owner of a cat, you have many very important obligations to your pet. This article has tips from the pros you can’t care for a cat without. Keep reading to discover more ideas for good pet care.

It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Cats need to get shots so they don’t get sick and a vet can help you make sure your cat is okay. Try keeping the same vet throughout your cat’s life. This one vet will be aware of the cat’s history.

TIP! Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower.

Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! A terra cotta tile about a foot square is ideal. You can warm it with a 15-20 minute stop in your oven, set to approximately 200 degrees. You should wrap it with a towel and place it under the bed your cat uses. If you want, you can change it for a newly warmed tile a few hours later.

You should not use products designed for other animals. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs. When it comes to flea products this is particularly true. These products can be fatal for your cat. Keep your cat away from your puppy after treating it with some flea products.

It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. One way to nip this problem in the bud is to give your cat a dedicated perch of their own as an alternative to using your space. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.

TIP! Give your cat lots of attention and love. They usually offer us warm companionship, and they require the same.

Male cats often develop crystals in their bladder that come out in their urine. This can be prevented with a proper diet. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Feed your cat food that is low in magnesium. Be sure to read the ingredient label. Fish is often high in magnesium compared to chicken.

Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Sometimes cats prefer to remove food from their bowls and eat it from the floor. This creates extra work since you must then clean up the leftover loose food. Use a placemat under your cat’s bowl or cut some fabric to create a small tablecloth. Shake the placemat or cloth over the garbage regularly.

Rules Ahead

TIP! Chances are, your feline spends many hours grooming himself. Hairballs are very common for long-haired cats.

If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Make sure your children know what rooms the cat can go into and what rooms it can’t. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. Knowing the rules ahead will help your child understand.

Don’t let your cat outside. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. Your cat could get parasites, or worse. It could be injured via a vehicle or another animal. If your cat really wants to go outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.

Cats like to be high up to see the surrounding area. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. To complete the package, add a cat bed or blanket.

TIP! Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. Passing crystals is very painful for your cat, and the vet’s bill will be painful for you.

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 throw it away, you may find your cat scratching on other surfaces.

Purchase high quality food for your cat. Read the ingredient label, and make sure a protein from meat tops the list. The foods to avoid are those with a large amount of corn and low amounts of protein. Cats are carnivores, and they need a good amount of protein in their diet.

Is your cat peeing all the time, sometimes in places that it shouldn’t? If so, you should talk to your veterinarian. This could be a sign that your cat has a urinary infection or another health condition. Affordable antibiotics can quickly resolve the problem.

Litter Box

Carefully consider where you will place your friend’s litter box. It might be tempting to have it in a hidden area where you can’t see it or smell it. But the most important factor is making sure your cat can easily access its littler box. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. For example, a rug or mat is a good way to make a litter box placed on a concrete floor more attractive to your cat.

Cats create years of enjoyment for the families who own them. Pets are good for kids and adults. In order for your cat to be healthy and happy, you must give it the right care and attention. Use these tips to make your cat’s life complete.