Cats are fundamental different from humans. Aside from them being covered in fur and walking on all fours, they have different diet requirements. There are certain foods that a cat must eat, and some that a cat can’t eat. The following article can give you some dietary tips to aid you in feeding your cat.

Make sure to keep your cat’s litter box clean at all times. Most cats do not like to use a dirty litter box, much like you would not want to use a dirty toilet. Scoop it at least once a day. Empty and give it a good cleaning once a week or more if needed.

If your cat is picky about drinking water, invest in a cat fountain. These battery operated or plug in fountains keep water circulating and aerated. Many cats prefer this. A cat fountain will help keep your cat out of the kitchen sink and the toilet. It will also help prevent your cat from pawing water onto the floor in search of fresh water.

If you replace an old scratching post, your cat may be unhappy with the new one. Save money on scratching posts. Wrap your old scratching post with some sisal rope to spiff it up. Your cat will be happy not to lose its favorite old post. You will save a little cash.

Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores and have specific dietary needs. Feed them quality cat food that has been approved by AAFCO or the Association of American Feed Control Officials. If you wish to make your cat’s food yourself, make sure you speak with a vet about necessary supplements or specific recipes that your cat needs to eat.

It is important to only feed your kitten food specifically made for kittens. Kitten food contains more fat and protein to help keep your growing cats body healthy. Adult cat food is leaner and is not specially formulated the same way as the kitten food. Your kitten will grow really fast in a short time-frame, so it is important that they eat right.

If your cat seems to want to avoid his food bowl, try getting a different kind of bowl. Plastic can sometimes turn a cat off if it isn’t cleaned constantly, and can hold on to certain scents. Try glass or a metal bowl for best results, so your cat will keep eating.

Do you love your cat but suffer from allergies? If giving up your feline-friend is not something that you can do, try these things first. Get rid of as much carpeting as possible because your cats dander gets trapped in it. You can also not allow your cat in your bedroom at all. This will make living with your cat easier on your allergies.

Do not place the cat litter box in the same area where you place the bowl your cat eats from. Cats want a clear separation between the two areas, so make sure you give it to them. It is not likely you would want to eat in the same place where you use the bathroom, so give your cat the same courtesy.

Your kittens don’t want dirty mouths either, so take a toothbrush and clean those gums everyday before breakfast. Without proper brushing, cats can catch diseases, infections, and suffer serious side effects. A few minutes daily keeps these teeth healthy, strong, and sparkling. You should ask a veterinarian how to properly brush your cat’s teeth.

Certain foods may be fine for you to eat daily, but not for your cat. Refrain from serving onions or garlic, as these foods are too strong for your cat. When a cat eats these items, they can get very sick. Refrain from feeding your cat dairy products as well.

Kittens should never be taken from their mothers before they are eight to ten weeks old. During this time, kittens learn most of their social and instinctive behaviors, and removing them from the mother too soon can cause future behavioral issues the mother cat could have taught them had they not been removed too early.

Keep your cat indoors as much as possible, close to home and near its owner. Indoor cats typically live longer than those who live outside. While cats can get their exercise roaming the neighborhood and squaring off against other cats, they can also get diseases and injuries this way. Vigorous indoor play with an owner is a preferable way to get exercise.

Don’t give a cat human medications. If health problems arise, take your cat to a vet. Giving cats medication meant for humans is very dangerous and could even kill them.

Keep your cat groomed to keep them looking and feeling good. Giving their fur a regular brushing ensures a healthy coat with no matting and less shedding. They will also have fewer hairballs from cleaning their own fur. Clip their claws, but don’t clip them too short, as it may hurt them. A vet can provide assistance if you need help with clipping.

Watch your pet carefully for signs of illness. If you see your cat suddenly eating less, drinking more, seeming increasingly lazy or hiding from people that she normally loves, this could be a sign that something is medically wrong. In such cases, visit your veterinarian to get your kitty checked out as soon as possible.

Whatever your cat eats depends on what you feed it. Giving your cat bad food will put its health in jeopardy and possibly end its life. If you give it food suited for it, the cat will thrive. Keep this article handy and follow it closely when it’s feeding time.