Cats are interesting creatures that are great pets. As the owner of a cat, it is important that you learn how to properly care for them, so they can be healthy and live longer. Keep reading to learn more about cat care.

Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Cats usually react negatively to items made especially for dogs. One product in particular to pay close attention to is any remedy for fleas and ticks. Your cat can die when exposed to flea prevention items made for dogs. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.

Scratching Post

A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. This will take some time but will be a valuable investment.

Male felines tend to get crystals in the urine that can be prevented with proper diet. Just like kidney stones, these crystals are painful and vet bills are pricey. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Poultry-based foods are generally lower in magnesium than fish.

Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Often, a cat will remove food from his bowl to eat on the side. This leaves food on the floor outside their bowl that must be cleaned. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.

Think over whether or not you should let your cat go outdoors. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. Your cat could get parasites, or worse. They can get in a fight or be hit by a car. If you allow your cat outside, make sure you live in a reasonably safe area.

If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. Your cat will become afraid of you if you punish it or scold it too often.

Don’t throw away your cat’s old scratching post. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. Something new is not necessarily better for a cat, and it may lead them to scratching the furniture.

Give high quality canned food to your pet cat. It is usually more expensive than dry food, but it is more beneficial. That’s because this type of food provides your cat with more protein, good fat and water. Older cats find it easier to eat, too. Can food is generally better, but consult your vet first before feeding it to your cat.

Are you overwhelmed by cat hair? Cats shed frequently; therefore, you need to brush them on a regular basis. If your cat sheds a lot, you need to brush it more often. This will make your cat’s coat nice and smooth.

When a dog wags its tail, the reason is because it is happy for some reason. A cat wagging its tail can have a very different meaning. Tail-wagging in cats tends to suggest conflict or anxiety. If you happen to be cuddling with your cat when the wagging occurs, be prepared to loosen your grip!

There are certain human foods that you should never feed to cats. Some of these foods include garlic, grapes, onions and green tomatoes. Allowing your cat to eat even a few bites may cause serious illness or even death. Dairy, including milk, is also not a good thing to give your cat.

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. You should give your cat time to adjust to new items in his world. Once the cat gets used to the smell of the new item, quickly he or she will get accustomed to it.

Your cat may be lonely if you return to work after adopting them. To improve your cat’s mood, consider adopting a second cat. They can then keep each other company while you are absent.

Cats sometimes fall victim to similar illnesses to humans. Since your furry friend is part of the family, you should be aware when something is wrong with his health. It is important to have your cat checked out at the vet. They can determine what is wrong and figure out the proper course of care.

Sometimes, you must take your cat to the vet, and when you do, it can be costly. Keep money in your pocket by ordering your medicine online. Quite a few companies exist that offer home delivery of medications. This is particularly effective for heart-worm pills and flea treatments, which your cat will need on a monthly basis.

While you might think that a cat is the ideal holiday gift for your child, it’s simply too hectic of a time. You should bring your child to a local shelter or store and allow them to choose which cat they like.

Do not let cats stay outside in bad weather. Rain, wind and periods of extreme cold are some examples. They will simply find somewhere to hide in this weather. If you don’t let them inside they could end up getting lost after bad weather.

You can microchip your cat. If your missing pet is picked up and delivered to animal control, the data embedded in the chip will soon see you reunited with your feline friend.

As was mentioned in the opening paragraph of this article, cats make great pets. You should always keep educating yourself about the different things you can do to care for your cat. Read on to learn all of this information. Your cat will love that you did.