Cats have been a longtime human companion. There are many different novels and plays that have cats as the main theme. A cat is a very intriguing animal but you will be able to form a strong bond with this pet. This article will help your cat live a happier life.

It is not safe to use dog products for your feline friend. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. This happens a lot with flea products. These products can be fatal for your cat. If you own a dog, and they’ve been given a flea treatment, you should separate them from your cat for a few hours.

TIP! Look a local animal shelters for cats. Shelters have great pets available for adoption, and the fee isn’t that high.

If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. Cats enjoy traveling far away, so a tag can help your cat get back home when lost. Ensure that you at least put the name of your cat and your personal phone number on this tag.

Cats love to be clean. If your cat has hair that’s long it could get hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.

Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You cat is used to being at home and it might shock him to hear you singing at the top of your lungs. Therefore, the volume of your music should be minimized, and turn it off completely if necessary.

TIP! Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. If they have a collar, this can be a safety issue if they get stuck.

Is your home also the home of both a dog and cat? Dogs take every opportunity they can get to eat the cat’s food. You should keep your cat food away from the dog. This also makes sure that the two don’t fight over water.

Cats love heights. For a truly happy cat, provide a safe place for your cat to survey his surroundings. If you don’t want a large cat tree in your home, a sturdy shelf cleared of breakables will work in a pinch. For an additional treat, put a little bed or blanket in there, too.

Never punish the cat if he or she causes a mess outside the litter box. Improper box care on your part causes the mess, not the cat. Punishing your cat will just make them afraid of you later on.

TIP! If your cat is an outdoor cat, then you should ensure it wears a tag collar. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged.

You may want to try different types of cat food. Cats can easily become finicky eaters. Keeping the same kind of food around most of the time makes it to where they only want that specific food.

Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. Cats prefer used scratching posts. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.

Give your cat canned food. It sometimes has more benefits over dry. Canned food provides more water content for your cat as well as more fat and protein. It’s easier for older cats to chew as well. Can food is generally better, but consult your vet first before feeding it to your cat.

TIP! Keep your cat from having a shocking experience by spraying electrical cords with bitter apple. You can also cover your cords under a rug or tape them to walls.

Getting a second cat is usually beneficial to both, but you have to give the two cats a few weeks to get acclimated to each other. They may still hiss and growl when they are in the same room together. However, if you allow them to slowly get used to each other, they will eventually become friends.

Prior to adopting any long-haired cat, make sure you understand the extra work involved. While the long hair on a cat is beautiful, it doesn’t look so beautiful all over your home. Don’t get such a cat unless you are prepared for the extra commitment they take over regular cats. Be prepared to deal with hairballs, which are a problem for long-haired cats.

Litter Box

TIP! A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. Buy your cat a scratching posts to focus its attention off your furniture.

Be aware whenever your cat suddenly quits using its litter box. Many feline health conditions can cause a cat to urinate and defecate in random places outside of their litter box. This is especially true if the cat has kidney or bladder problems. If your cat stops using the litter box suddenly, get him to a vet for a visit.

Dogs are known to way their tails. This means they are content or excited and is normal dog behavior. Cats move their tails for a very different reason. When a cat wags its tail, it is usually due to conflict and a potential decision of fight or flee. It’s especially important to keep an eye on your cat’s tail when you’re holding it. If you see it start to move, it’s time to put your pet down before you wind up getting scratched!

Chemicals that have phenol in the should not be used around a cat. Lysol and Pine-Sol are two examples of products that contain this chemical. Cats hate the smell, and it can do sever damage to a cat’s liver if left near it for prolonged periods.

TIP! It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. Cats love being up high so that they can see.

Your pet may think it’s the boss of you, or even the boss of the entire world. When you use these tips, you can better your cat’s life and yours. By establishing the ground rules, you can relax and enjoy the benefits of owning a lovable cat.