Cats are amazing creatures. They are wonderful pets because they are smart, independent, and very loving. However, it’s not easy caring for a kitten properly. Read this article to educate yourself on several helpful cat care tips, and apply what you learn to ensure that your cat stays happy and healthy.

Ensure your cat remains groomed. You can regularly brush or comb your cat. This leads to a cleaner cat. It also helps to reduce their shedding and can cut down on how many times they are spitting up hairballs. In order to keep shed hair down to a minimum, plus have a beautiful cat, you must groom your cat regularly.

TIP! Local rescue organizations are a great place to look for a new pet cat. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits.

Cats like sneaking into small spaces. A collar can be a dangerous thing to wear in such a place. A breakaway collar is a good option since it will break if your cat pulls on it. This will help you save your cat’s life.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. You can do this simply with a terra cotta tile measuring a square foot. Heated in your oven around 200 degrees, it can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. Cover with a small blanket or towel, then place it beneath your pet’s bed. Change it every couple of hours if desired.

Make sure your cat has a collar and tag if outside. Cats sometimes travel a bit when outside, and a tag prevents any mishaps due to your cat being lost. Make sure at a minimum to put your pets name and your phone number on the tag.

TIP! Make sure that your cat is well groomed. Brushing is a very important component towards taking care of your cat.

Cats can use their claws to destroy furniture and other parts of the house. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower. Use catnip or other scents that are attractive to your kitty to encourage him to go there. Eventually it will cause you less of a headache.

Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Teach your kid how to properly handle a cat. Help them learn how to pick up a cat and care for it. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.

Make a tablecloth that your cat can use. Cats often take food from their bowls to eat on the side. Sometimes this will make the area around the bowl messy, and you’ll have to clean it. A simpler way to do this is by getting a place-mat and placing it under their bowl. You can also cut some fabric to make a tablecloth that can be lifted, washed, or shaken over a trash can.

TIP! Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products.

Train your cat to tolerate a pet carrier. Cats and dogs do not usually respond the same ways to punishment. They are much better with encouragement. 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. The cat will be drawn to the carrier, where it will feel safe and comfy. Transporting the carrier with your cat inside makes your next trip out much easier.

You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. This is essential, even for indoor pets. Cats can slip out a door in a flash. The tag should have your name and address and also your vet’s. Include your cat’s special diet or medical needs on his identification.

If your cat uses the bathroom more than normal, or if they suddenly stop using the litter box, think about taking them to the veterinarian. Cats sometimes behave like this if they have a urinary infection or other medical problem. Some cheap antibiotics can get rid of some dangerous illnesses.

TIP! A microchip for your cat is something that you should really consider. You may not have had trouble with your cat getting loose previously, but it can happen at any time by accident.

Understand that all cats need exercise and play time. Just like playtime is important for other types of pets, the same holds true for your cat, despite whatever their age happens to be. Even older cats like to play. Take time and play with your cat regularly.

If you desire a long-haired cat, it’s best to know what kind of care is involved before you do so. That hair will truly get everywhere! Unless you are prepared to do more cleaning, don’t buy a long haired cat. Long-haired cats are also more prone to hairballs.

Cats are neat animals. If you learn as much about them as possible, they also make great pets. Take the time to absorb the insights you have learned here. Utilize what you learned to ensure that your favorite kitty cat stays healthy and enjoys a fulfilling life.