Cats make wonderful pets. People who never have had a cat would probably get some use out of the article below. If you have never owned a cat before, read these tips for important information.

Cats like sneaking into small spaces. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. This will help you save your cat’s life.

TIP! Don’t use dog portions for your cat. Cats will react very negatively to any products intended for dogs.

If you own a female cat, it’s crucial to spay it at the appropriate age. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Spray your cat so that this does not occur.

Flea Treatments

Avoid using dog products on cats. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.

TIP! It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats enjoy going into high places so that they can see what’s going on around the house.

The litter box for your cat needs to be kept in a good place. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. To help control odors place the litter box in a well ventilated area. Your kitty will thank you.

Receiving plenty of positive, loving attention is important for your cat. Most cats crave the same warmth and companionship they give their owners. Cats have a need to communicate with others to show they are part of the family. They want to feel like a contented and satisfied member of the family.

When your cat accompanies you on a trip, remember to consider the health of their ears. You may love loud music, bit it might be bothering your cat. So, keep your volume down, or turn it off to give your cat a better travel experience.

TIP! Think about getting a microchip implanted in your cat. Even cats who live completely indoors may someday decide to bolt out the door or escape out of a window.

Do you have dogs and cats? Most dogs will not hesitate before munching on your cat’s food. Try locating your cat’s food in an area where the dog cannot go. Separate eating spaces are a must to avoid fights between your pets.

Talk to others when you have a problem with your cat. It’s possible that you could solve the problem on your own, but why deny help from others? You can also go on the Web and ask your question in a forum.

You should brush your cat very regularly. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. It’ll also remove all that loose hair. This keeps hairballs at bay, which may cause choking and build up inside their stomach from self-grooming.

TIP! If you need cat medication, consider searching online instead of using your veterinarian in order to find a better deal. Online prescriptions are not the best choice if you do not have the time to wait on a mail order, such as in a medical emergency.

Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? When a cat sheds a lot, brushing is very important. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. It’s also a great aid to keeping the cat’s coat as pristine as possible.

Have your cat sport a collar that includes information regarding the owner’s name, address and telephone number. This should be done even with an indoors cat. The animal could get out. Don’t take any chances; make sure your pet has the proper identification so he is returned to you.

Sometimes, foods are healthy for humans but not for cats. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic and green tomatoes. If your cat eats these, it may cause him to get really sick or even worse. Milk could also lead to an upset stomach if the cat drinks it.

TIP! Avoid letting your cat go outdoors. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors.

Never allow your cat to be exposed to phenol chemicals. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. The smell is offensive to cats, and prolonged exposure can lead to liver problems.

If your cat’s been declawed, you should never let them outside. Your cat will have no way of defending itself against other animals, which means it could get seriously injured or even killed. Cats should only be declawed if they’re going to be inside fulltime. Even so, you will only want to get the claws up front removed. Don’t take the back claws as cats need them to stay balanced.

Human Medications

TIP! Keep old, worn scratching posts. This is the condition that cats like the most.

Do not give human medications to cats. Some people incorrectly give cats human medications thinking it will be okay in small doses, but it can kill him or her. If your pet has any issues, take them to a vet for proper pet medication. You could unintentionally kill your beloved pet if you use medications designed for humans.

Any difference in the environment of your home is easily detected by the keen sense of smell that your cat possesses. Sometimes this causes problems if you introduce a new food dish, bed, or scratching post. Don’t be upset if the cat does not take to these items immediately. As the new items starts to smell like your house, your cat may give it a try.

Choosing a cat as your pet is wonderful. These animals can be very loving and help you reduce your stress. However, caring for them properly is vital to their long term life and happiness. Taking the advice contained in this article means your cat is sure to live out a long lifespan.