Cats are amazing creatures. They are very intelligent and will definitely surprise you once you get to know the cat you adopted better. However, it’s not easy caring for a kitten properly. You should go over this article to learn more about the different things you can do to take care of your cat.

Visit your local shelter if you’re thinking about getting a cat. Sometimes, you may find the cat of your dreams at a shelter. When you bring home a shelter cat, you will be saving its life and you will be doing your part to help out.

TIP! Brush and trim your cat’s fur often to keep it looking sharp. You have to make sure your cat gets brushed or combed often.

Cats enjoy getting into small spaces. If they have to wear a collar then there may be a risk because your cat could end up getting stuck. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. This kind of collar can turn a potentially-dangerous situation into a merely exasperating one.

Older cats will appreciate a heated bed; you can use a heated tile to create one! Heat a fabric covered heating pad in the microwave for a couple of minutes, making sure that is not too hot to the touch. Place it in an older towel and place it underneath of the feline’s bed. Change every few hours if you like.

Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Feed cats food that’s low in magnesium. Consult the ingredient list. Avoid fish products.

TIP! It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. Cats need vaccinations to keep them healthy, and your vet can keep an eye out for any other health issues.

Do you have both a cat and dog? Dogs love to eat cat food! Because of this, you should make the place that your cat food is in higher up so that the dog cannot reach it. This can also prevent unnecessary arguments between your pets over the water supply, once the food has been consumed.

Get your cat used to a carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Place the open carrier in an area that your cat visits often and outfit it with a favorite toy and blanket. Eventually, the cat will go into the carrier naturally and feel comfortable. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.

Make sure to give your cats different types of food so that they aren’t as finicky. Keeping the same kind of food around most of the time makes it to where they only want that specific food.

TIP! Don’t try using dog food or products for your cat. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction.

If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, you should take him to the vet. For instance, it may be a sign the cat has a problem with its urinary tract. It could be the sign of other issues as well. Some cheap antibiotics can resolve potential risks for your cat.

Play is an important part of a cat’s life. Play is important for all mammals, even people, regardless of their age. While older cats have less energy than their younger counterparts, they can still play a little. Enjoy some playtime with your cat.

Don’t bring home a cat with long hair without taking into account the extra care they’ll require. There is no denying that long-haired cats are beautiful, but that beautiful coat takes a lot of work and also means a lot of shedding. You should not get a cat with long-hair unless you are ready to do a lot of cleaning. It should also be noted that long haired cats are much more susceptible to hairballs.

TIP! Deter cats from shocking themselves on electrical wires by spraying them with bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls.

Do you feel overwhelmed by cat hair everywhere you look? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. Cats that shed a lot need to be brushed more frequently. This will help to prevent tangling and matting.

Litter Box

Think about where you want to put the litter box. You are surely tempted to put it where the smell will affect your surroundings the least. But the most important factor is making sure your cat can easily access its littler box. Cats tend to be finicky, so you’ll want to provide a location that isn’t off-putting to your cat. If you are going to put the litter box in a room without carpet, put a mat beneath it to keep the box warm.

TIP! Keeping cats from a counter really can be tough. Cats love being up high so that they can see.

If you notice that your cat has stopped using its litter box, you’ll want to contact your vet. There are a number of health issues that can lead a well-trained cat to urinate in places other than their litter box. A urinary infection or a kidney problem could be responsible for your cat’s behavior. Contact your veterinarian if your pet abandons its litter box.

The unique and intelligent cat makes a great pet if you educate yourself about how to care for it. Take the time to absorb the insights you have learned here. Take what you learn and apply it to your situation.