Cats are fabulous animals. They are smart, independent and loving. As a cat owner, you need to be responsible and make sure your cat is well-taken care of. You should go over this article to learn more about the different things you can do to take care of your cat.

Good grooming is important for cats. Just like dogs, cats require regular brushing and de-tangling. Brushing rids your cat’s coat of dirt and helps keep them clean. It will also limit shedding and may cut down on hairballs. Brushing your cat will keep your home cleaner, too.

TIP! Ensure your cat remains groomed. A cat requires regularly brushing and combing.

Put a heated tile beneath the bed of an older cat. Simply heat a single foot cotta tile at 200 degrees between 15 and 20 minutes. Use an old towel to wrap around it, then place it beneath the cat’s blanket or bed. You can even switch it out every few hours.

If your cat is a female, be sure to get her spayed when she is old enough. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Having your cat spayed helps to control the pet population and will save you time and trouble.

Making sure your cat doesn’t jump on the counters is hard to do. Cats instinctively want to be at a high vantage point so they can survey their surroundings. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Placing a cat tower by the kitchen can keep cats from getting on counters.

TIP! If you want a cat to feel like it’s more comfortable, a heated tile may be able to help. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes.

Do not allow your cat to be bored frequently. Cats need play and exercise like other pets. But many cat owners ignore that need. Bored cats can develop depression and other harmful health conditions. Give them toys and things to do. If they’re inside kitties, get them a post or something else that they can scratch and climb.

Brush your cat daily. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the fur. It also gets rid of shedding hair. This prevents hairballs, which can cause choking, and builds up in the cat’s stomach from self grooming.

Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. This is the condition that cats most appreciate. If you toss it away in favor of something newer, your cat may look for something older to scratch, and that may end up being your furniture.

TIP! Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots.

Feed canned food to your cat. Even though the dry versions can be more cost-effective, canned cat food usually is more beneficial. There is more water in canned food and more protein and fat too. For aging cats, it is also easier to chew. Speak with your vet to determine the proper course of action to take.

When you bring a second cat into your home, allow a few weeks for the two to adjust to each other. They may swat at each other or hiss; that’s nothing to be concerned about. Eventually, they become used to each other and are comfortable together.

Dogs will often wag their tails to show their happiness or excitement. Cats may wag as well, but the meaning can be quite different. If you see a cat’s tail moving like that, it is an indication that they are agitated or don’t know what to do. If kitty starts wagging his tail while you’re holding him, it’s best to put him down so you don’t get scratched.

TIP! Lessen the chances of your cat becoming harmed or killed by spraying all electric cords with something to keep them from chewing it. Bitter apple is a good choice and can be found at most pet stores.

Do not give cat medications intended for humans. If your cat is suffering from a medical condition, be sure and take them to a vet to get the proper medication. Refrain from giving cats any medication not intended for them.

Cats have a heightened sense of smell, and they can detect environmental changes easily. This may cause a problem if you give them a new bed, scratching post or food dish. Don’t let this discourage you. You cat will adjust as the smells of the new items as they become a regular part of his daily routine.

Feed your cat as much dry food as you can. When cats are kittens they need wet food because their teeth are so small. Hard, dry food is best for grown-up cats because it helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. You can also try mixing dry and wet food until you get the consistency your cat prefers.

TIP! Cat’s claws can really put a dent in your furniture. If your kitty is doing this, one way to redirect his behavior is to purchase a scratching post or cat tower.

An overfed cat will quickly become ill. Overeating can cause obesity in your cat, which can cause serious illness, similar to people. Be careful to feed your cat the proper portion amount, and also make sure that his food is packed with vital vitamins and nutrients.

Your cat is subject to rabies, fleas and fungus if let to go outdoors. Even though it is possible these issues could affect indoors cats as well, they are definitely more prone to experience them if they are outside quite a bit.

Don’t give table scraps to your cat. Human food can upset your cat’s stomach and make it sick. If you wish to treat them, try giving them a tablespoon of cooked beef or chicken, or even a bit of egg. If you go by the feeding instructions that are on your cat’s food based on their weight and age, then they have a complete diet.

TIP! Your cat needs attention and a lot of affection. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out.

A cat can be a wonderful addition to the family, as long as you make the effort to learn about taking care of them properly. Carefully study the information in this article. Use these tips to ensure your cat is healthy and happy.