Cats are some amazing little creatures. Cats are extremely smart and independent; however, they can also be very loving, which makes them an ideal pet. Taking care of a cat can be a challenge, however. Read the following article for an education on cat care.

If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. Even if she is an inside cat, you need to spay her because she could get out. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.

TIP! Cats often view small spaces as a fun challenge. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar.

Enticing kitty to stay off the kitchen counter is sometimes challenging. They love being above everything so that they can watch it all. You can try to combat this problem by designating some high-up places for your cat to hang out. If you don’t want your cats to jump on your counters, you can put a cat condo in or around the kitchen.

Microchip your cat. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. Other measures like tags and collars are better than nothing, but your cat may wriggle out of them or they may be torn off by outdoor hazards. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Most shelters have a scanner that can pick up the facts located inside the chip.

Avoid the chance that your male cat will develop crystals in his system that will come out in his urine by feeding a high quality diet. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Your cat needs food low in magnesium. Read the labels. Poultry products are typically lower in magnesium than fish products.

TIP! Be cautious about using canine products on your feline friend. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs.

Always watch a kitten around small kids. Kids under five should not be left alone with a pet. These children just do not possess the maturity to handle a kitten. They aren’t aware of the danger that they can cause to it. When children are over the age of five, then you should decide whether or not they are mature enough to handle a kitten.

Cats love being up high. To make your cat really happy, give it a place to safely survey its area. If you’d rather not invest in a cat tree, simply use a large shelf or bookcase without any breakable items. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.

Never try to teach a cat to use a litter box. This comes naturally – you can’t teach it. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s actually incorrect to rub a cat’s paw in the litter.

TIP! Cats frequently groom themselves. Long hair encourages hairballs.

Is your pet’s scratching post starting to look beat up? Don’t toss it out! This is the condition that cats like the most. Even if you throw it away and buy a new one, your cat may opt for tearing up your upholstery instead.

A cat can be a wonderful addition to the family, as long as you make the effort to learn about taking care of them properly. Learn all you can from this article. Keep reading, and use these tips to take proper care of your pet.