Cats are fabulous animals. Cats make great house pets because they are smart, loving, and independent. However, taking care of your feline friend is not to be taken lightly. Give this article a read for some tips on cat care and how to keep your cat in good spirits.

Be sure your cat gets regular checkups at the vet. Cats need routine shots and wellness checks just like people. Cats should see a vet right away if any health problems or injuries needing treatment occur.

It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. After all, cats prefer to stay high so that they can keep an eye out on everything. You may be able to battle this issue by giving your cat a high place to chill. Sometimes strategically placing a tall cat tower near your kitchen will help.

Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. They give us love, and we need to return it to them. Like humans, a cat has to be around people in order to feel special. Make her feel like she is part of your family.

If your cat is male, understand that he could develop crystals inside his urine, which can be very painful to him. Therefore, prevent this issue from occurring in the first place by feeding your cat the right type of food. Passing stones or crystals hurts and can cost you a ton in vet bills if they don’t come out naturally. Look for foods that are low in magnesium for your cat. Go over the label carefully. Products including fish have a higher magnesium content then poultry based products.

If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Tell your kids which rooms the cat is allowed in. If you plan to raise an indoor cat, let your children know that the cat cannot go outside. Your children will be able to understand the rules more easily if they know them ahead of time.

Reconsider having an outdoor cat. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. Cats can attract fleas and other parasites. Other animals and vehicles could also injure your cat. If your cat must go outside, try to confine them to the backyard.

You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. Up until your child is five, children shouldn’t be alone with your pet. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. Once the child grows up a little, he might be more able to handle the kitten.

Cats have a love affair with heights. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.

You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Look at ingredient lists, making sure that a protein source, such as beef, chicken or fish, is at the top of the list. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Cats in the wild are meat eaters, and domestic cats need meat to ensure optimum health.

Do you see cat hair everywhere you look? Cats shed a lot, so it is important to brush them often. If your cat sheds often, you will need to brush him just as much. This also prevents matting and tangling.

Pay attention if you cat does not use the litter box. There are a number of medical issues that can cause your cat to suddenly stop using their box. A variety of infections and kidney disease can cause your cat to stay away from the box when they suddenly associate it with pain due to their medical condition. Call your veterinarian right away if your cat doesn’t use the litter box.

Give your cat a collar that features your contact information. You may have an indoor pet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t ever get out. If this should happen, you will have a better chance of getting your cat back home.

Make sure your cat stays inside as much as it can, near to both its home and its owner. Cats who stay inside for most of their lives have a much better life span and are less likely to get diseases and parasites. Outdoor trips should be made in the company of the owner to keep cats safe from the dangers (like infections and attacks) that free-ranging cats face.

Make sure that your cat is eating dry food when possible. Kittens need wet food due to the size of their teeth. Once they grow up though, dry, harder food will strengthen their teeth and keep them clean. You can also try mixing dry and wet food until you get the consistency your cat prefers.

Consider leaving your cat indoors most of the time. Cats that go outside often generally don’t live as long, and they tend to get much sicker. These diseases are bad enough for the cats and they can also be passed along to humans. Therefore, provide your indoor cat with a sunny location, such as a sunroom or simply a large window, so that it can sit and feel like it’s outside.

Don’t let your cat go outside during inclement weather. Bad weather can include times of unusual cold and heat, as well as constant rain and windy periods. A cat will instinctively seek a place of refuge during extreme weather, including dangerous places such as under a vehicle’s hood. You could lose your pet if the owner suddenly turns on the car.

Cats are unique creatures who can make wonderful pets if you learn all you can. Pay close attention to the tips from this article. Once you use the things you’ve learned you’ll have a feline friend that is happy and has a great life.