Cats may be animals, but so many centuries of serving as domesticated pets has spoiled them. Cats today have become much more sensitive to the wild than the rest of the animal kingdom. Fleas, ticks, and other critters can quickly and quietly become a serious problem if your cat is outside often.

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 an outdoor cat or a cat that has a habit of getting outside, they need proper identification. The cat should have a safety collar and an ID tag. Safety collars that have elastic bands allow cats to get out of the collar if they get it caught on something. An ID tag or an implanted microchip can help your cat get returned if they’re lost.

Never have your cat declawed. Many people misunderstand declawing, thinking it is the simple removal of a cat’s nail. This is not true. In fact, the veterinarian must remove the top knuckle along with the claw during the procedure. This can result in arthritis pain later in life and many behavior problems, such as biting. There are many alternatives from scratching posts to glue-on claw caps that can protect your belongings from a cat’s claws without resorting to such a harsh surgical solution.

Cats love to much on grass and plants such as catnip. There are plants however that are poisonous to cats. Chrysanthemums and holly are beautiful and common around the Holidays, but can be very toxic to cats. Other plants that are toxic or lethal include lilies, rhubarb and daffodils.

Use short words when you want to express displeasure with your cat. A short ‘no’ will be remembered, even if not always followed. A lot of people think that cats don’t listen to anything, but short word commands are certainly understood by cats, and they will respond to those commands if you are consistent with them.

While cats can be finicky, you should not encourage this behavior. A cat will eat the exact same cat food their whole life if it is tasty and nutritious. You do not need to mix up the flavors. Doing this can encourage the cat to skip certain foods they previously ate and wait for another.

Try to be consistent with the type of cat litter and food you buy your cat. If you change up, it may cause some issues. Cats are creatures of habit, and they do not adapt well to change. If you must make some changes, it would be a good idea to do them gradually.

Any chemicals that have phenol should be kept away from your cat. This chemical is usually in Pine-sol, Lysol, and other house cleaners. Cats hate the smell, and it can do sever damage to a cat’s liver if left near it for prolonged periods.

If you can, keep your cat inside and close to you. Research has shown that indoor cats have longer life spans than outdoor cats. Daily exercise with you doesn’t need to create risks for other cat attacks or diseases from the wild.

When you’re smitten with your kitten, it’s tempting to dole out treats generously. However, treats are meant to be just that. They lack the nutritional value of regular cat food. Treats should not make up more than 5 percent of your pet’s daily diet. Any more than that may prevent your cat from receiving the nutrients it needs for good health.

If your cat has a problem with frequent hairballs, he may end up with digestive problems, retching and vomiting. The best way to avoid hairballs is to keep your cat well-groomed, brushing him daily to remove loose hair. Less hair means less hairballs. Another benefit of frequent brushing is that is great for bonding with your cat. Most cats love to be brushed and groomed.

Cats have a heightened sense of smell, and they can detect environmental changes easily. This can lead to issues when you introduce something new, such as a new toy, bed, or food dish. Be prepared for your cat to be wary of the new item initially. Your cat will begin using it as soon as he is used to its smell.

Cat’s are susceptible to many of the illnesses humans are. Pay attention to changes in your cat’s mood and behavior as they may be a sign your cat is feeling poorly. It’s crucial that you have them checked by a vet. The veterinarian can rule out any serious conditions.

Your cat may not like it if you add another pet to your family. It is best to keep the other animal away from your cat at first. Let your cat get used to the strange new odors in the house. After a little time has gone by, you can slowly introduce the newest member of the family to the cat.

Spay or neuter your pet to become a great pet owner. Cats are full of curiosity. All cats try to slip out the door once in awhile. If your cat ventures outside even for a little bit, she can get pregnant. Countless cats are euthanized every year due to overpopulation.

If you worry about your cat running away from home, ensure that it always returns by having a microchip installed. There are websites that you can use to track your pet.

Treat your cat to its very own indoor garden. Start with a shallow container filled with a 2-inch layer of soil. Plant catnip and oat grass seeds, which can be found at your local garden center. Once the grass begins to grow, place the container in a sunny area, such as a windowsill. Your cat can nibble these plants safely.

The outside world doesn’t need to be a scary place for you or your cat. These tips should help keep your new pet safe from infections, poisonous wildlife, and other dangerous animals. If your cat can’t seem to escape some constant disturbance outside, it may need to spend more time indoors instead.