It’s not always easy to keep a cat happy. From the moment they prance into your house, cats can be indecipherable. Use the tips in this article to better take care of your cat. The below article contains excellent advice on how to properly care for your cat.

Check out your local shelter if you are thinking about getting a cat. Shelters are overflowing with wonderful cats, and the adoption fee usually covers essential vet care. By adopting a cat from your local shelter, you will preserve a life and will do your part in controlling the cat population.

TIP! Check out the shelter when adopting a cat. Shelters usually have many cats who need a home, and the fees typically include their shots and spaying or neutering.

Do not use dog products on your cat. Cats often have negative reactions to dog products. This is particularly true when it comes to flea treatments. Canine flea medications are strong and often made from a different formula than the feline version. They can cause death in cats. Your cat needs to be away from the dog after your dog has received a flea treatment.

It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. If your cat is high, he can see everything that is going on. One good way to beat this problem is by giving your kitty some safe, high perches throughout the house. Placing a cat tower near the kitchen will help the cats to not lay on the counter.

Cats frequently groom themselves. If your cat has hair that’s long it could get hairballs. There are foods which help combat this problem. Certain cat foods are made just for decreasing hairballs, benefiting both your cat and yourself.

Cat medications can be bought affordable online. Naturally, some stuff won’t be available online. If you are buying cat medicine often, you can usually save up to 50% online.

Don’t let your cat go outside. There are many dangers to your cat outside. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. Cats can also be hunted by other animals, stolen or hit by passing vehicles. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

Cats feel safest in an elevated location. For very happy cats, give them a safe place where they can look around at their surroundings. If you can’t afford a cat tree, give the cat an empty shelf of his own. Make sure that this area is comfortable for your cat.

TIP! Taking your cat in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian’s office is part of being a responsible pet owner. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease.

As soon as you adopt your cat, fit him with identification tags attached to a collar. This is essential, even for indoor pets. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Tags that have your vet’s name and phone number are good things to put on the collar. Include medical issues if appropriate.

It’s important for your cat to get plenty of playtime. After all, everyone likes to play. An older cat may not be as energetic as when it was younger, but still enjoys light play. Make sure you have fun with the cat whenever you can!

If your cat is ready to give birth, give her an area to do it in that has plenty of space. The birth of the kittens will take approximately four hours, so use a little patience. If you suspect that there are more kittens inside your cat and it has been six hours of labor or more, you should take your cat to the veterinarian immediately.

TIP! A heated tile for underneath your cat’s bed can provide real comfort. Simply heat a terra-cotta tile in a 200 degree oven for 20 minutes.

Make sure your cat’s collar has important information, such as your address, phone number and name. Your indoor pet might even get out if you leave a window open. Don’t take any chances; make sure your pet has the proper identification so he is returned to you.

Don’t send a declawed cat outdoors for long periods of time. The cat is defenseless against other animals, which may lead to injury or possibly death. Indoor cats are the only ones that may be declawed. If you must declaw a cat, only do it to the front paws. Keep the back claws intact, since they can’t do damage to your furnishings and flooring.

Cats have a keen sense of smell and notice the smallest things. When you offer a new feeding bowl, cat condo, or bedding, your cat may resist. Don’t get frustrated if they don’t like these items right away. After your cat adjusts to the new scent, they’ll be more interested in the new object.

TIP! Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. Cats have very strong, negative reactions to products formulated for dogs.

Make sure that your cat is eating dry food when possible. Kittens need wet food due to the size of their teeth. When adult teeth come in, the harder foods maintain the strength of their teeth. If you have an extremely finicky cat, you could mix dry and wet food together.

Try putting sticky tape on the furniture if your cat decides to scratch it. This type of tape helps prevent your cat from scratching your furniture if it does this constantly. Certain pet stores even sell this type of tape for this reason. You should also provide your cat with a scratching post or a tower it can use instead of your furniture.

These tips will help you look after your cat and keep her happy. Use the things you have learned here so that you’re able to meet your cat’s needs. Maybe he’ll even warm up to you. This is only a remote possibility though!