Cats aren’t cheap to keep healthy and happy. Caring for a cat properly means providing it with proper nutrition, adequate stimulation, health care, and many other necessities; this can become expensive. This article has ideas you can use to make living with a cat cheaper and easier.

You can make your old cat feel better thanks to a hot tile placed under its bed. Place a tile made of terra cotta or a similar material in an oven heated to 200 degrees for around 15 to 20 minutes. Put it inside a cloth and place underneath your feline’s blanket or bed. Change it frequently if you like.

TIP! If you are planning to get a pet cat, be sure to check with your local shelter. Many shelters have more cats than they can handle and the fees associated with adoption take care of vet visits.

It is a good idea to microchip your cat. Even an indoor cat can get the urge to run out of a door or leap through a window. Although collars and tags are beneficial, some cats may even wiggle out of them. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and can hold all of your contact information. Many vets and shelters have scanners that can read these chips and since they lie under their skin, they won’t get lost.

Cats can spend hours keeping themselves and their fur clean. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs. To help your cat out with this problem, try buying him special food. Look for cat food that is designed to minimize hairballs to keep you and your cat happier.

Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You may think it’s a good idea to listen to loud music on your stereo, but cats generally don’t enjoy this. If your cat seems upset or agitated, turn down the music and speak calmly to him.

TIP! Regular vet checkups for your cat are very important. Your cat requires a variety of vaccines and shots to prevent illness, and it is also important to identify health problems before they become too severe.

Cats can be great pets for children, but some younger children may be a bit too rough with cats. Make sure your child knows how to pet a cat. Show them what activities are appropriate and how to pick them up. Cats don’t have strong bones like dogs do, so they need to be treated gently.

Reconsider outside time for your cat. This can be something that isn’t very safe for a cat. The cat can get fleas or something much worse. They might get injured by some other animals, vehicles, or people. If your cat really wants to go outside, let it out into a small area in your yard.

Do you have dogs and cats? Dogs won’t hesitate to eat food from your cat’s bowl. This is why you should have a feeding area for your cat that is too high for the dog to reach. Doing this will also help you avoid fights over the water bowl.

TIP! Cats really enjoy squeezing into any and all small spaces. If your cat gets caught on something wearing a traditional collar they could end up hurting their neck trying to break free.

Be very careful about allowing children to be alone with a kitten. Never leave a pet alone with a child who is any younger than five. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. Wait until your child gets older, and pay close attention to whether or not they’re mature enough to hold or handle a tiny pet.

It can be quite expensive to properly care for your beloved cat. It can feel as though you’re actually caring for a child. The tips provided will help you properly take care your cat without breaking the bank.