Cats aren’t simple to please. They can be very mysterious, even from the moment they enter your home. However, with the right tips, it’s easier to handle a cat properly. This article is your go-to source for pet care information.

Cats will try to get into many different crevices. A collar can become a liability if your cat is especially adventurous. Collars designed to release when sufficient force is applied (“breakaway” collars) are a great idea. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.

TIP! Your home likely has no small spaces a curious cat won’t want to investigate. If your cat wears a collar they might get hurt, and stuck.

Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. They need a check-up one time a year, or more if they require certain shots. Cats should go to a vet immediately if they have any conditions, health problems, or injuries that need to be tended to right away.

Dog Products

Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. Be very careful with the flea products you use. Products used for flea prevention in dogs can be very harmful to your cat. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.

TIP! Cats love to play on kitchen counters, and it can be hard to break them of the habit. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings.

Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. Think about a scratching post or kitty tower if your cat’s claws become a problem. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. Although this may take time, your cat should eventually claw the device rather than your furniture.

Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. Many owners just don’t have time. Bored cats can become depressed and inactive, causing harm to their well-being. Give them lots of space for exercise and plenty of toys they can play with. If your cats are kept inside, set up a carpet lined scratching pad or post. There are many climbing structures that can be purchased or made for cats who enjoy heights.

You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. Don’t put it where the cat can’t reach it or near their food. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. You and your cat will greatly appreciate this.

TIP! Don’t allow your cat become bored. Play and exercise are both important for cats’ well-being.

Online outlets offer better prices for cat medicine than vets. In some cases you may not be able to buy online, in the case of emergencies, for instance. You can save as much as fifty percent on the stuff you regularly use.

If you get a cat for your kids, make sure to set clear boundaries in advance. Let your children know which rooms their cat can be in. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Setting rules in advances ensures understanding.

You should think again before allowing your cat to go outside. It might not be safe for your cat to go outdoors. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. There’s the chance that your pet could be harmed by other animals or passing vehicles. If your cat really wants to go outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.

TIP! You have to place a litter box correctly. Try to keep it away from areas of household traffic and away from your cat’s eating areas.

New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. Over time, though, they will learn to tolerate each other and eventually form a close bond.

Cat Wags

One of the most delightful things about a dog is the way they happily greet their owners. When a cat wags its tail, it’s for a completely different reason. When a cat is wagging its tail, it’s actually feeling threatened and mulling over the classic question of fight or flight. Along the same line, if your cat wags its tail while you are holding it, you should put it down to avoid getting scratched.

TIP! Cats appreciate all the affection you can give. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out.

You should never use medications designed for humans on your cat. If your cat has any health problems, you should take them to the vet and administer whatever he provides. Giving cats medication meant for humans is very dangerous and could even kill them.

If you were unemployed when you got your cat, but are now heading back to work, your pet will probably have issues with loneliness. In order to prevent them from becoming too lonely whenever you’re away, consider adopting a second cat.

Search your home for gaps or holes prior to bringing in a new cat. Cats are extremely agile; therefore, they can easily fit into small holes that you thought were impossible for them to fit into. This especially applies to kittens. Know this when bringing another cat into your home. Get holes repaired or covered up as you find them.

TIP! Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. Your cat will experience considerable pain when he has to pass these crystals, and it’s not an easy (or cheap) problem for your veterinarian to fix.

Vet visits are often inevitable, and the bills can quickly pile up. You can save a great deal of money by filling your cat’s prescriptions online. You can even find a few businesses that will bring them right to your home. This is beneficial for monthly medications your cat takes, such as heart worm pills or flea treatments.

This article will show you exactly how to make your cat happy. Use the things you have learned here so that you’re able to meet your cat’s needs. Once your cat is happy, you will be too. Well…maybe.