Have you welcomed a cat into your home? If this happens to be you, then you already recognize how great they are. A cat requires much love and attention. Thankfully, a bit of knowledge will help you succeed. Read on to learn more on how to properly care for your cat.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Just get a tile and heat it up in the oven for a while to place under the cat’s bed. Keep the temperature of the oven at 200 degrees. Wrap this in a towel that’s old and then place it under the bed the cat sleeps on. Switch towels every few hours if you need to.

TIP! If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Shelters always have plenty of cats available and adoption fees are usually very affordable.

It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. Cats naturally love heights so they can easily see everyone and everything. You can control this tendency a bit by making high places in the house that you feel comfortable having your cat utilize. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.

Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. Passing these crystals is painful and the vet bill to have this corrected is expensive. Try to find a cat food that has a low level of magnesium. Check the label. Fish products can have more magnesium when compared to poultry.

If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. This isn’t safe for your cat. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. They can get in a fight or be hit by a car. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

TIP! Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease.

Cats enjoy high places. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. If you do not want cats making a mess in your house, remove breakable items from your shelves. Install a small bed for your cat or a comfortable blanket.

Do not attempt to teach your cat how to use the litter box. This is a natural instinct that cannot be taught. Don’t force your cat into the box or you will traumatize them.

Cats Prefer Running

TIP! Don’t use items on a cat that are meant for a dog. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products.

Purchase a drinking fountain for your cat. In the wild, cats prefer running water to drink from, and they do in the home as well. Your cat, if its like most, will really respond to this running 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.

If you want to buy a second cat, prepare for some time where the cats will be familiarizing themselves with each other. They might hide from each other or hit each other. Give them a bit more time to begin to get used to each other face to face, too.

Make sure play time is an important part of your cat’s life. Just like playtime is important for other types of pets, the same holds true for your cat, despite whatever their age happens to be. While a senior cat probably won’t be very rambunctious, the right type of toy will get them interested. Take time and play with your cat regularly.

TIP! If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. If your cat gets lost during its time outdoors, a tag makes it easier to locate the animal.

Is your cat shedding like a madman? Cats shed a lot, so it is important to brush them often. If your cat is shedding too often, you should brush it more regularly. This can also prevent their coat from becoming matted or tangled.

Litter Box

Think carefully about where you put the litter box for your cat. It’s tempting to keep it in an inconspicuous place where it won’t be seen or smelled. The litter box needs to be placed in a spot that your cat can reach very easily. Cats are quite finicky, so it is important to make their bathroom environment appealing them them or risk messes throughout the house. If the box is placed on a cold floor, place a mat under it.

TIP! The cat’s litter box should be placed in the right spot. Don’t put it close to your cat’s food or in an area that gets too much traffic.

You probably love your cat and want to be sure you’re caring for it to the best of your abilities. Now that you have read this article, you are more knowledgeable on proper cat care ideas. Remember everything you’ve learned here, as it will go a long way in improving your cat’s quality of life. Show the same love that you expect from your cat.