If you’re not used to cats because you’ve never had one, then you need to learn a few things first. A good portion of the domesticated cat population is composed of them and they can sometimes be trouble. Keep reading for the cat care information that you crave.

Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease. Your vet can also check the overall health of your cat. Make sure you keep the same veterinarian for your pet throughout its life. That way, the doctor will be familiar with the history of your cat.

Dog Products

Don’t use dog products on your cats ever. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. This will especially be true if it’s a product for fleas. These products can be fatal for your cat. If you treat your dog for fleas, make sure you keep the cat away for several hours following the application.

Your cat needs a collar and tag if it goes outside. Cats can travel far, and a tag will help you find the cat easier if they get lost. The tag needs your phone number and cat’s name at the minimum.

TIP! Heated tiles are great to put under a cat bed, especially for the comfort of aging felines. A terra cotta tile heated in your oven on about 200 degrees and for 15 minutes will do.

You can sometimes find better prices for cat medication online than getting it from your veterinarian. In an emergency, this won’t be much help, of course. However, if you buy meds for your cat on a regular basis, you can save huge amounts by getting medication via the Internet.

Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.

You should create a tablecloth for the cats in your home. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. If this occurs, you will have a mess on your hands. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.

TIP! If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant.

There needs to be set boundaries with your children and a new kitty. Let your kids know where the cat can go. Make sure that your children know if the cat is strictly an indoor cat. By making the rules well known to your children, your children will understand what is and is not allowed.

Try to figure out why your cat meows. You need to learn what their meows mean. She could be trying to tell you she’s hungry or needs to go outside. Understand your cat’s preferences, and you’ll be that much better off.

Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. It is possible to work out the problem yourself, but help from others can be invaluable. Participate in online discussion boards for cat owners, or pick up the telephone and speak with your vet.

Litter Box

You should not train your cat to use a litter box. This is a natural instinct for felines, and it need not be taught. While many pet owners try to introduce their cats to a litter box by rubbing their front paws in the sand, this can sometimes traumatize your furry friend.

If your cat does not use the litter box, do not use punishments to try to discipline him. When this occurs, it tends to be because the box is not being maintained properly. Punishing your cat will make it afraid of being close to you.

TIP! Cats feel safest in an elevated location. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings.

Don’t scrimp when it comes to your pet’s food. Look at the ingredients and make sure protein like fish, chicken, or beef is near the top. If the food uses fillers like corn and other things that are not protein, that’s not a sign of the good nutrition a cat needs. This type of food should be avoided. Cats in the wild are meat eaters, and domestic cats need meat to ensure optimum health.

You should install a small drinking fountain for your cat. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Cats seem to like a water stream better. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. Drinking fountains are more environmentally-friendly and they let your cat drink naturally.

You should feed your cat food out of a can. Although dry food is usually less expensive, canned food is better for your cat. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. This will make it easier for your older cats to digest. Speak with your veterinarian before making any major changes, however in general, canned food is better for your cat.

TIP! Don’t punish cats for making messes outside the litter box. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough.

Does it seem like cat hair is everywhere? Cats are known for shedding, so good grooming habits are a must. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This keeps the coat from matting, too.

You can now work against those stray cats and defend your residence. You will find that a fun cat is a great addition to your family. Be wary handling or trying to remove feral cats from your yard. When you discover the perfect cat to join your family, you had best be ready for it!

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