Cats have co-existed with people for many centuries. They have inspired films, books and even poetry. Knowing this, you can’t blame cats for feeling just a tad superior! The article below contains some great advice for handling and caring for your cat.

Cats love to squeeze into tiny spots. Collars can be a safety risk if your kitty gets stuck. A breakaway collar will let go if it is pulled on too tightly. This could save your cat’s life if the collar gets caught in some branches.

If you have an outdoor cat, make sure he is fitted with a tag and collar. A lost cat is much easier to locate if they are properly tagged. Even if the tag just has your phone number, it can be the difference between your pet coming home and being lost forever.

Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. A cat passing the crystals can be very hurtful with an expensive vet bill to boot. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Read the labels. Fish-based foods usually contain more magnesium than poultry-based foods.

Create a little tablecloth for your cat. Cats often like to remove food from their bowl to eat it off to the side. This may make a big mess that you need to clean up. Something as simple as a place mat can help make cleanup easier.

You shouldn’t leave a young cat with children unattended. Children under five years old should always be supervised when interacting with a pet. The maturity level isn’t there when it comes to your child. Find your child’s age of maturity when it comes to handling pets.

Cats love high spots. For a truly happy cat, provide a safe place for your cat to survey his surroundings. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. For an extra treat, place a blanket or small bed up there too.

Acclimate your cat to a cat carrier. The same response to punishment that you would expect from a dog does not apply to a cat. Most of the time, it is better to use positive reinforcement. Take their favorite blanket and place it within the carrier. Then leave the carrier with the door ajar in a frequented spot. Eventually, the cat will go into the carrier naturally and feel comfortable. Once the cat is comfortable with the carrier, you can transport it easily.

Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.

Get a drinking fountain for your cat. Cats normally look to drink from running water. This is true in the wild or at home. Cats generally respond better to a stream of water. In fact, some cats prefer running sink water to their own water bowls. A fountain keeps the water moving without letting any go to waste.

New cats are sometimes not welcomed in the home. They may hide from one another, hiss, or even swat each other. But, eventually, they will get used to the idea, and begin to tolerate, and even enjoy, each other’s company.

Litter Box

Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. Many people want it in an out of the way spot. However, if you hide it from your pet he might not try very hard to find it when he needs to go to the bathroom. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. If the litter box is on a hard surface, make sure to put something soft underneath it.

If you are having problems getting the cat to use the litter box, move it. Cats perceive using the bathroom as an activity that makes them vulnerable, so moving the litter box to a less-trafficked area means your cat is more likely to use it. Try rooms that are less used, such as a basement or utility room.

Your feline friend should always wear a collar and tags with your name and contact information. Even if you have a house cat, there is a chance that he or she may get out. If this happens, ensure there’s a way they can find home again.

Chemicals that have phenol in the should not be used around a cat. This is something that’s often in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other popular cleaners. Not only do cats intensely dislike the smell, the chemical can also cause liver damaged if they are exposed to it for a lengthy time.

Be sure your cat receives a tick and flea treatment. An effective medication is monthly drops. These medications can help keep away harmful parasites that will leech blood from your pet, causing diseases. Use brands that your vet recommends for your cat.

A cat might seem like a good gift, but people are so busy around the holidays that it is not the ideal time to get a new pet. Choose a quieter time, and bring your little one with you to pick out the cat.

A cat usually believes it is in charge of your house. However, if you utilize the advice above, you can show your cat who’s really in charge. People understand that cats make great pets, and this article will make that experience even better.