When you want to get a pet that’s great, a cat is a good idea. If you’re considering adding a cat to your family, read this article. Get some valuable insights about how to bond with your new cat and create a healthy environment for everyone.

Make sure your cat is regularly visiting the vet for checkups. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe. Try using the same vet during your cat’s life. This way they will know your cat’s history the best.

TIP! You should not use products designed for other animals. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog.

Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats will have a reaction that’s negative towards a product made for dogs. This warning applies to products for getting rid of fleas. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. In fact, it is a good idea to separate your cat and dog for a few hours after your dog has taken flea medication.

Some cats like to scratch up floors and furniture. If you find your cat tearing up things around your home, buy a scratching post or cat tower. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. Your cat will eventually understand they should only use the post or tower for scratching.

Normally cats are nocturnal animals. The result is that cats prefer to be more active during the night. If your cat’s activities are keeping you awake at night, try keeping your bedroom door shut. This way, they can’t disturb you while you sleep.

TIP! Keeping your cat off of the counter can be difficult. They love to be able to look around from up high.

Your cat can take lots of time to groom themselves to what they consider “perfect.” When your cat’s coat is long, it can result in hairballs. Buy special food in order to help that problem. Some foods are in fact formulated specifically to reduce hairballs, and that is a good idea for your cat and you too.

You can sometimes find better prices for cat medication online than getting it from your veterinarian. There are some times when this isn’t a good idea, like when you’re dealing with a pet related emergency. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.

Put a cloth down in your cat’s eating area. Cats will sometimes pluck food from the bowl and enjoy it straight off the ground. This creates extra work since you must then clean up the leftover loose food. Place a piece of fabric or a place-mat under your cat’s bowl and then simply shake it over a garbage can for quick and easy clean up.

TIP! Make sure your cat gets lots of love. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you.

Are you a cat and dog owner? Dogs will eat cat food right up. That’s why you should place your cat’s food in a place which is hard for your dog to reach. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.

You should talk to other pet owners if you have an issue with yours. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.

It would be a good idea for your cat to get used to a pet carrier. You have to take a different approach to training a cat rather than a dog. They like responding to encouragement better. You should place a toy or a blanket inside the carrier and place it in an area where it will be noticed by your cat. Your cat will want to inspect the carrier and probably enjoy hiding inside. A cat who is used to a carrier will not mind traveling, meaning it will be a much less stressful experience for them.

TIP! Avoid bladder crystals and stones by feeding high quality food. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money.

Does it feel like your home is overrun with your cat’s hair? Since cats shed so much, they need to be frequently brushed. When you see them shedding more than normal, that’s a great time to brush them. This will ensure your cat’s coat is tangle-free and not matted.

It is important to designate a big and comfortable area for your cat to deliver her kittens. Giving birth to all the kittens can take hours, so you shouldn’t expect things to be over and done with quickly. Bring your cat to her vet immediately if six hours have passed without all the kittens coming out.

Cat Wags

TIP! Your cat has sensitive ears, especially in the car when they’re stressed out. Although you might enjoy jamming to your music, understand that cats prefer peace and quiet.

When a dog wags its tail, the reason is because it is happy for some reason. Cats, however, move their tails or sway it side to side for totally different reasons. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. Along the same line, if your cat wags its tail while you are holding it, you should put it down to avoid getting scratched.

Many foods that are fine for humans are not good to give to your cat. Some of these include onions, grapes, garlic and green tomatoes. Even a little taste of these foods can make your cat seriously sick. Even though everyone knows that cats love milk, this can actually cause a cat to have an upset stomach.

Inspect your home for holes that could possibly be dangerous for your cat. Cats can fit through very small gaps. Kittens are even smaller! Remember this if you bring a new cat or kitten home. Repair or cover any holes or openings that may attract a cat.

TIP! Keep smaller children away from pets as they are typically too aggressive. Teach your kids how to treat a cat.

If you are getting a pet, cats are a fantastic choice. Cats are often a comfort and can also aid in stress relief. But you’ve got to understand how to properly care for your cat. Following the guidelines you’ve just read will allow you to improve the quality and quantity of your cat’s years.