Cats combine strength, grace, and intelligence to a superlative degree. These felines are one of the most common household pets and flood the streets of every major city when active. Learning to live in a home with these intriguing animals can sometimes be a challenge. These agile and intelligent creatures can be stubborn so you are going to need some information on how to do so.

Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture. You should scold your cat when it scratches your furniture and direct its attention to the scratching post or tower. This approach takes time, but it usually works.

TIP! If your kitty is a female, make sure to plan a spaying once she is of age to breed. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant.

Cats frequently groom themselves. Your cat can get hairballs in the event that their hair is too long. There are special foods you can give to your cat to reduce this problem. Some cat foods are specially formulated to help reduce hairballs, which is good for both you and your pet.

Check prices online for your cat’s medication to see if they are cheaper than at your vet’s office. Though, in emergency situations, buying online may not be possible. But, if you’re having to buy pet medication regularly, you will be able to save up to half the price if you buy online.

While cats are good pets for children generally, smaller children may treat them too roughly. Teach your kids how to treat a cat. Demonstrate how to pick up the animal and how to play with it as well. Cats have weaker bones than dogs do, and must be treated accordingly.

TIP! Take your cat to the vet regularly to make sure they remain in good health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots.

Reconsider outside time for your cat. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. Fleas can infest your cat, or something worse can happen. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If the cat must go outside, set aside a small part of the backyard or front lawn as a place where they can go.

Be cautious when leaving a kitten with children. Particularly if the children are younger than five, they need supervision. Kids of this age aren’t old enough to know how dangerous a cat can be. As a kid ages, they can show maturity with handling a little pet.

Cats have a love affair with heights. Designating a high-up area where your cat can hang out and watch everything from will help him to feel comfortable. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.

TIP! You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products.

Speak to other people if you’re having cat troubles. Although you might want to attempt to handle the problem yourself, other cat owners can provide you with excellent advice that may help you to resolve it. Your local veterinarian can be a valuable source of information, but there is also help available online by joining user forums geared toward cat owners.

Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. They do this by nature and don’t need to be taught. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.

Brush your cat’s fur regularly. It helps with blood flow, and it also moves the natural oils around in the fur. In addition, it helps to reduce loose hair. Doing so reduces the occurrence of hairballs, which are a choking risk. It also benefits the cat’s stomach by reducing the animal’s need to clean itself.

TIP! It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings.

Invest in a cat friendly fountain. When cats are out in the wild they like to drink running water, and this is true in your home as well. Streams of water will attract your cat. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. A fountain will allow your cat to have the happiness of drinking from running water.

By applying the tips that you have read, you’ll be outsmarting your cat before you know it. In a short time, they will understand where they should be and what they need to avoid. Though they aren’t as easily trained and programmed as a dog is, most cats are actually well-trained, well-mannered pets that behave their owners.