Cats are interesting creatures that are great pets. Owning a cat is a challenge, however. There are special needs that a cat owner should be aware of, even if they have had other pets. Cats are not the same as other animals. Use the tips that you’re about to read to help you provide the best care.

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. Put a breakaway collar on instead. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.

TIP! If you own a female cat, you should have her spayed when she is old enough. You may keep your cat inside, but she could still slip outside and become pregnant.

You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. This can irritate your cat or cause an allergic reaction. This is especially true of flea products. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. Keep your cat away from your puppy after treating it with some flea products.

Scratching Post

Cat claws are one of the worst enemies of your home and furniture. If your couch is starting to look like it’s been put through a shredder, it’s time to invest in a nice scratching post or cat tower. When your cat scratches inappropriately, redirect him to the scratching post. It may take some time, but it should eventually work.

TIP! Regular visits to the vet will preserve your cat’s health. Cats should go to a vet at least once each year for a check up, and more frequently for required shots.

It can be tough to keep cats off the countertops. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. It helps to provide your cat with certain high spaces where it is allowed. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.

Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. If you’ve got a cat with this issue, get it special types of food. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.

Remember to take care of your cat’s ears if you travel with him. While you may like to crank up the stereo when you go cruising, your pet probably prefers you keep the volume down. Turn down the music and let the cat rest.

TIP! Your house can really get torn apart by a cat’s claws. If you are having problems with your cat clawing up furniture, then purchase a scratching post or kitty tower.

Don’t let your cat go outside. This can compromise your cat’s safety. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. Cars, people, or animals could hurt your beloved pet. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

If your cat dirties the space near his litter box, don’t punish them. Most of the time when this happens, it is because you are not taking proper care of the box. If the cat is punished for this, they may become afraid of being around you.

If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. This is the condition that cats like the most. Your cat might not want to use the new scratching post and start ruining your furniture instead.

TIP! You may want to have a microchip put into your car. Your pet may be an indoor cat, but that doesn’t mean it’ll never dash through your door or slide outside via an open window.

Provide your cat with high-quality cat food. Check out the list of ingredients of any food you are considering buying. Ensure that an animal protein source, including fish, chicken, or beef, is the main ingredient. Look for foods that do not have corn or elements that aren’t protein. You have a carnivorous cat, and a diet consisting of animal proteins is essential.

Litter Box

Think about where you want to put the litter box. It is temping to put it someplace where the odor will not be noticed. It is equally important that the litter box is readily accessible to your cat, though. You want your cat to feel comfortable using their litter box. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.

TIP! Don’t let your cat get frequently bored. Just like dogs, cats need playtime and physical exercise, too.

Cats can make wonderful pets. Take the time to learn the best way to take care of a cat so that you can fulfill your obligation as its owner. Read this article several times to make sure that you glean all of the information you can from it. Your pet cat will love you!